Interface for an unmanned underwater vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an interface (20) for electrically connecting an unmanned underwater vehicle (12), in particular an underwater moving body, to a platform (14) for launching the unmanned underwater vehicle while the unmanned underwater vehicle (12) is on board the platform (14). The interface comprises a plurality of spring contacts (22) which are designed to contact corresponding counterparts (24) to establish the electrical connection, wherein the electrical connection is designed to provide an electrical data connection and / or an electrical power supply for the unmanned underwater vehicle (12).

Description

[0001] Interface for an unmanned underwater vehicle

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to an interface for connecting an unmanned underwater vehicle to a platform for launching the unmanned watercraft. The interface can establish a data connection and / or a power supply to the platform while the unmanned underwater vehicle is on board the platform.

[0004] Unmanned underwater vehicles, for example, are connected to the launching platform via a cable. After launch, the cable can be cut using a suitable knife, thus interrupting the connection immediately after the unmanned underwater vehicle is launched. Alternatively, a plug can be pulled out of the underwater vehicle if the cable is connected to the unmanned underwater vehicle via a plug. The disadvantage of this, however, is that the loose cable can become caught in propellers, rudders, or similar, thus causing damage to the unmanned underwater vehicle. Furthermore, the cable is not reusable or can only be reused to a limited extent, and appropriate installation space is required to route the cable.

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to create an improved concept for the electrical contacting of unmanned underwater vehicles.

[0006] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent patent claims.

[0007] Embodiments show an interface for the electrical connection of an unmanned underwater vehicle, in particular an underwater running body, to a platform for launching the unmanned underwater vehicle. It is conceivable to use the interface, for example, in an autonomous unmanned underwater vehicle (AUV), a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV), a torpedo or a torpedo interceptor running body (also referred to as an anti-torpedo torpedo). Suitable platforms include, for example, underwater vehicles such as submarines, surface vehicles such as ships or stationary platforms such as harbor fortifications, offshore wind turbines, drilling platforms or other floating bodies (e.g. pontoons). The interface can enable the electrical connection between the platform and the unmanned underwater vehicle while the unmanned underwater vehicle is on board the platform.The interface can be used to supply power to the unmanned underwater vehicle while it is on board the platform. Additionally or alternatively, a data connection can be established via the interface. For example, the underwater vehicle can receive its launch command and / or mission data as well as software updates.

[0008] The power supply refers to the supply of energy, particularly a continuous one, to the unmanned underwater vehicle, allowing internal electronics to operate at least idle but also at full load if necessary, without using the unmanned underwater vehicle's internal power supply. The power supply ensures, for example, that the unmanned underwater vehicle can receive the launch command, mission data, or software updates via an electrical data connection without using its own internal power supply. This prevents the limited energy available to the underwater vehicle from being further reduced before the mission begins.

[0009] The interface comprises a plurality of spring contacts. These are designed to contact corresponding counterparts, for example a circuit board with corresponding contact surfaces or electrically contacted, electrically conductive contact plates, in order to establish the electrical connection. This means that the spring contacts or the counterparts can be electrically connected to the platform. The other component of the interface, i.e. the counterparts or the spring contacts, can form the contact of the unmanned underwater vehicle. Optionally, the counterparts can be part of the interface. The spring contacts can move within the scope of their spring stroke, but are also arranged in a stationary manner on the underwater vehicle or the container. The counterparts are preferably arranged in a stationary manner on the underwater vehicle or the container.

[0010] The idea is to use the spring contacts to provide a reliable, reusable, and robust interface to an unmanned underwater vehicle. When the unmanned underwater vehicle is launched, it passes under the counterparts or spring contacts, allowing a new unmanned underwater vehicle to be inserted into the deployment device and establish contact with the platform via the interface.

[0011] In embodiments, the spring contacts comprise an opening for the penetration of a fluid, in particular an electrically non-conductive liquid, behind the spring contacts, so that the spring contacts have the same, in particular hydrostatic, fluid pressure on the front and rear sides in water. The opening can, for example, be a gap between the spring contact and the guide of the spring contact. Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible to provide a separate bore in a housing of the spring contacts, i.e. in the interface, through which the fluid can penetrate to the rear side of the spring contacts. The opening is advantageous, in particular in combination with a liquid as the fluid, in order to make the interface or the spring contacts pressure-resistant. Otherwise, it is possible, in particular in the case of an underwater vehicle as a platform and a pressure-transmitting closure (e.g.Membrane) at the outlet of the container, that the spring contacts are pushed up and lose contact with their counterpart or that the interface is otherwise damaged by the high water pressure at great diving depths.

[0012] Furthermore, a device for deploying the unmanned underwater vehicle from the platform is disclosed. The device comprises a container for accommodating the unmanned underwater vehicle and the above-described interface for electrically contacting the unmanned underwater vehicle. The container can also be referred to as a canister. The container can, for example, be suitable for being inserted into a torpedo tube, e.g. of an underwater vehicle such as a manned submarine or a surface platform such as a ship, an oil rig, or a harbor fortification, so that the unmanned underwater vehicle can be deployed from the existing torpedo tube. It is also possible for the container to deploy the unmanned underwater vehicle into the surrounding water independently of a torpedo tube, e.g. from the deck of a ship or generally outside the pressure hull of the underwater vehicle.For use outside the torpedo tube, a number of containers can optionally be combined in one container, for example a standard sea container.

[0013] As already described above, the container can have a plurality of spring contacts, wherein the spring contacts of the plurality of spring contacts are electrically connected to the platform. Additionally or alternatively, the device can also comprise the unmanned underwater vehicle. The unmanned underwater vehicle can then have a plurality of spring contacts, wherein the container has counterparts corresponding to the spring contacts, wherein the counterparts are electrically connected to the platform.

[0014] Preferably, the unmanned underwater vehicle has a maximum diameter in the main direction of travel behind the counterparts or behind the spring contacts that corresponds to the diameter at the position of the counterparts or spring contacts. Advantageously, the counterparts or the spring contacts are located between a bow and a propulsion unit, for example the propellers or an outlet for a fluid of a propulsion system based on the principle of recoil force (e.g., a rocket engine or a water jet propulsion system). By using the described interface with the spring contacts, it is possible to keep the distance between the unmanned underwater vehicle and the vessel wall very small. At the very least, however, the distance between spring contacts and corresponding counterparts is limited to the small maximum stroke of the spring contacts. Alternatively, the spring contacts would have to be able to compensate for the contour change due to the spring travel. This meansThere is a tolerance on the diameter corresponding to the spring travel. If the unmanned underwater vehicle widens behind the interface by more than the tolerance, there is a risk that at least the interface will be damaged when the unmanned underwater vehicle is withdrawn from the container. In particular, the unmanned underwater vehicle may no longer fit into the container.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the container is electrically conductive, i.e., it consists predominantly of electrically conductive materials. This provides shielding for the unmanned underwater vehicle. The shielding can provide protection against electromagnetic manipulation of the underwater vehicle. Furthermore, the container can thus prevent the emission of information, for example, data transmitted via the interface.

[0016] In further embodiments, the container is filled with an electrically non-conductive fluid. This is advantageous in order to prevent a short circuit between the spring contacts. Above water, the fluid can be, for example, an inert gas or gases or gas mixtures with low electrical conductivity. Underwater, a substantially incompressible, non-conductive liquid is preferred. Distilled water or an oil, for example, can be used as the liquid. A container completely filled with the liquid can also withstand great diving depths. However, the container is preferably filled in such a way, ie to such an extent, with the fluid, preferably the liquid, that the spring contacts are enclosed by the fluid.

[0017] To compensate for small pressure changes and enable the unmanned underwater vehicle to deploy, the container, particularly an opening in the container for the unmanned underwater vehicle to exit the container into the water, can be sealed watertight with a membrane. When using a membrane, filling the container with a liquid is advantageous.

[0018] Similarly, a method for operating the device with the container sealed with the membrane is disclosed, wherein the electrical connection is electrically disconnected before the membrane is destroyed. This ensures that no conductive fluid can cause a short circuit of the spring contacts.

[0019] Advantageously, the electrical connection is severed by the propulsion of the launched underwater vehicle. This means that the underwater vehicle moves away, and the spring contacts exhibit the same relative speed to their counterparts as the underwater vehicle exhibits to the container. After the underwater vehicle has left the container, the spring contacts are at their maximum relaxation, i.e., they are fully extended. Only when the spring contacts are mounted on the underwater vehicle can the water pressure counteract the spring force of the spring contacts, preventing the spring contacts from being fully extended.

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows:

[0021] Fig. 1 : a schematic sectional view of a device comprising a container and an unmanned underwater vehicle with an interface for electrically contacting the underwater vehicle, wherein Fig. 1a shows the unmanned underwater vehicle within the container and Fig. 1b reveals the unmanned underwater vehicle during exit from the container.

[0022] Before exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings, it is pointed out that identical, functionally equivalent or equivalent elements, objects and / or structures in the different figures are provided with the same reference numerals, so that the description of these elements shown in different exemplary embodiments is interchangeable or can be applied to one another.

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a device 10 for deploying an unmanned underwater vehicle 12 from a platform 14. The device comprises a container 16 and an interface 20 for electrically contacting the unmanned underwater vehicle 12. Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b differ in that the unmanned underwater vehicle in Fig. 1a is completely in the container and in Fig. 1b has just started and is just leaving the container.

[0024] The interface 20 has a plurality of spring contacts 22, with four spring contacts visible in the sectional view. The spring contacts 22 contact electrical counterparts 24. Typically, there is a corresponding counterpart 24 for each spring contact 22. Movement arrow 26 shows the direction of movement of the spring contacts 22. It should be noted that the interface 22 can, for example, be integrated into a wall of the container or rest flat against the wall. Thus, the distance between the unmanned underwater vehicle 12 and the container wall can be reduced to a distance that is on the order of magnitude of the spring travel of the spring contacts 22.

[0025] Underwater, the unmanned underwater vehicle 12 can leave the container 16 under its own propulsion if it is filled with a liquid.

[0026] Alternatively, the container's outlet opening, here closed by a membrane 28, can be opened, flooding the container with seawater. Advantageously, the interface 20 is de-energized before the outlet opening is opened, either by the underwater vehicle or manually. This prevents a short circuit between the spring contacts 22 caused by the electrically conductive saltwater. Above water, the unmanned underwater vehicle can slide out of the container, for example, by tilting it, or be expelled by an ejection system.

[0027] Although some aspects have been described in connection with a device, it is to be understood that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, so that a block or component of a device can also be understood as a corresponding method step or as a feature of a method step. Analogously, aspects described in connection with or as a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block, detail, or feature of a corresponding device. The embodiments described above merely illustrate the principles of the present invention. It is to be understood that modifications and variations of the arrangements and details described herein will be apparent to others skilled in the art.Therefore, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the following claims and not by the specific details presented in the description and explanation of the embodiments herein.

[0028] List of reference symbols:

[0029] 10 Device

[0030] 12 unmanned underwater vehicle 14 platform

[0031] 16 containers

[0032] 20 Interface

[0033] 22 spring contacts

[0034] 24 Counterpart 26 Movement arrow

[0035] 28 Membran

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Interface (20) for electrically connecting an unmanned underwater vehicle (12), in particular an underwater moving body, to a platform (14) for deploying the unmanned underwater vehicle while the unmanned underwater vehicle (12) is on board the platform (14), having the following features: - a plurality of spring contacts (22) which are designed to contact corresponding counterparts (24) in order to establish the electrical connection, wherein the electrical connection is designed to provide an electrical data connection and / or an electrical voltage supply for the unmanned underwater vehicle (12).

2. Interface (20) according to claim 1, comprising an opening for the penetration of a fluid, in particular an electrically non-conductive liquid, behind the spring contacts, so that the spring contacts (22) have the same fluid pressure in the fluid on the front and back sides.

3. Interface (20) according to one of the preceding claims comprising the corresponding counterparts (24).

4. Device (10) for launching an unmanned underwater vehicle from a platform (14) having the following features: - a container (16) for accommodating the unmanned underwater vehicle; - the interface (20) according to one of claims 1 or 2 for electrically contacting the unmanned underwater vehicle, wherein a) the container (16) has the plurality of spring contacts (22), wherein the spring contacts (22) of the plurality of spring contacts are electrically connected to the platform (14); or b) the device (10) comprises the unmanned underwater vehicle (12), wherein the unmanned underwater vehicle (12) has the plurality of spring contacts, wherein the container (16) has the spring contacts corresponding counterparts (24), wherein the counterparts (24) are electrically connected to the platform (14).

5. Device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the container (16) is filled with an electrically non-conductive fluid, in particular an electrically non-conductive liquid.

6. Device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the container is filled with the fluid such that the spring contacts are enclosed by the fluid.

7. Device (10) according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein an opening of the container for the exit of the unmanned underwater vehicle from the container (16) into the water is sealed in a watertight manner by means of a membrane (28).

8. Device (10) according to claim 7, - wherein the container (16) is designed for use under water, in particular in a torpedo tube; - wherein the non-conductive fluid comprises a liquid.

9. Device (10) according to one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the unmanned underwater vehicle (12) in the main direction of travel behind the counterparts (24) has a maximum diameter which corresponds to the diameter of the position of the spring contacts (24) plus a tolerance or wherein the unmanned underwater vehicle (12) in the main direction of travel behind the spring contacts has a maximum diameter which corresponds to the diameter at the position of the counterparts (24) plus a tolerance, wherein the tolerance corresponds to the height of the spring stroke.

10. Device (10) according to one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the container (16) is electrically conductive.

11. A method of operating the device (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the electrical connection is disconnected before the membrane (28) is destroyed.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the electrical connection is severed by the propulsion of the launched underwater vehicle.

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