Device for launching or recovering a floating structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for launching a floating structure (2) or recovering the latter from the water, comprising at least one ramp (4) having a first end (4a), a second end (4b) opposite the first end (4a) and a device (6) for sliding the floating structure (2) along the ramp (4), the launch or recovery device (1) comprising a member (8) for pivoting the ramp (4), connected to this ramp at a point located between the first end (4a) and the second end (4b) of the ramp (4), and a motion-generating device (38) configured to cause the floating structure (2) to move on the ramp (4), the launch or recovery device (1) comprising at least one float (10) connected to one of the ends (4b) of the ramp (4) and at least one means (12) for controlling the buoyancy of the float (10).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title of the invention: Device for launching or raising a floating structure

[0003] The present invention relates to a device for launching or surfacing a floating structure by means of a ramp and a device for setting the floating structure in motion, allowing controlled movement of said floating structure from or to a quay, a shore or from or to a floating system to or from a marine environment, with a view to being subsequently transported to a desired location, in other words a location where the floating structure will be useful.

[0004] Currently, it is known to use cranes, dry docks or floating docks to launch floating objects. It is also known to use access ramps installed in ports to allow the transfer of caissons to ships. These ramps are either supported by floats or rigidly anchored to the bottom of the port.

[0005] They have several disadvantages. For example, such a ramp rests on the bottom of the harbor via pillars and requires mechanical means of height adjustment in order to follow the water level and variations in draft. In any case, these pillars hinder the freedom of movement of the ramp.

[0006] The invention concerns the launching or emergence of a floating structure, for example a concrete caisson that can weigh several thousand tons. It seems obvious that the transfer of a caisson of this type requires a lot of expensive and bulky equipment. Furthermore, rapid availability of these caissons is required in order to be in line with the planning of certain projects, which is not always possible in view of their dimensions, their specificity and the means known to date for launching them or removing them from the water. Consequently, it is necessary to optimize the transfer and launching or emergence of this type of caisson.

[0007] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a device for the controlled launching or emergence of a floating structure. This launching or emergence device comprises a ramp incorporating a sliding device and a float on which the ramp rests for loading or unloading the floating structure from or to a quay or a floating system to or from a marine environment, with a view to being recovered by a tugboat or transported out of the water and being transported to a chosen location. The inclination of the ramp and / or the movement of the floating structure is managed by a device for tilting the ramp, and / or a member for pulling the floating structure onto the ramp and / or a means for managing the buoyancy of the float.The tilting device, the traction member and the means for managing the buoyancy of the float are examples of the device for setting the floating structure in motion. These examples can of course be used individually or in combination with each other.

[0008] In this context, the main subject of the present invention is a device for launching or surfacing a floating structure, comprising at least one ramp having a first end, a second end opposite the first end and a device for sliding the floating structure on the ramp, the launching or surfacing device comprising a pivoting member of the ramp connected to the latter at a point arranged between the first end and the second end of the ramp and a movement device configured to generate a movement of the floating structure on the ramp comprising a thrust means configured to raise or lower the first end of the ramp, the launching or surfacing device comprising at least one float connected to one of the ends of the ramp and at least one means for managing the buoyancy of the float.

[0009] The ramp has a geometry that prevents any movement of the floating structure in a transverse direction to it.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment, the launching or emersion device comprises the floating structure. The floating structure is for example a caisson configured to float, at least during its transport phase between the quay and its area of ​​use, and vice versa. Such a caisson may be made of concrete or another material and weigh a variable weight, from a few kilograms to thousands of tons. Preferably, the launching or emersion device is suitable for launching a floating structure exceeding one thousand tons, and whose weight is for example between ten thousand tons and one hundred five hundred thousand tons. The device for launching or emerging the floating structure from a terrestrial environment or a floating system is thus configured to support the proportions of this type of caisson and its means are specific to operate with such a weight.

[0011] The pivoting member allows the ramp to pivot and tilt from a horizontal, or substantially horizontal, plane to an inclined plane on which the floating structure can then slide in a controlled manner from the first end to the second end connected to the float, in a launching situation, or from the second end connected to the float to the first end, in a situation of emergence of the floating structure. The pivoting member is the tipping point of the ramp. The tilting of the ramp allows the floating structure to reach the float and rest on the ramp, which itself rests on the latter. Once the floating structure has been launched or emerged, the ramp can return to a substantially horizontal position, allowing the ramp to be operational again.

[0012] The thrust means may in particular be a jack, for example a hydraulic jack, making it possible to control the inclination of the ramp. In doing so, the distance between the center of gravity of the floating structure and the pivoting member of the ramp is then reduced. Then, the floating structure slides on the part of the ramp located between the pivoting member and the second end of the ramp.

[0013] The float's buoyancy management system is configured to manage the float's vertical positioning in the water. This management system can manage the boom's tilting phase so that it occurs slowly and in a controlled manner. The floating structure, which, as a reminder, can weigh several thousand tons, can thus be safely slid. This buoyancy management system also controls the boom's return to the horizontal position.

[0014] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the float is connected to the second end of the ramp, the launching or emersion device comprising a stop bearing against the first end and maintaining the ramp in a substantially horizontal plane.

[0015] The stop allows the ramp to be kept in a horizontal, or substantially horizontal, configuration. This stop is also a means of absorbing the forces resulting from the weight of the floating structure, when it is installed or resting on the ramp. In addition, a stop device can be used to limit the angle of rotation of the ramp for safety reasons. It should be noted that the thrust means mentioned above can also form the stop and assume its technical effects.

[0016] According to another optional characteristic of the invention, the movement device comprises at least the float and the means for managing its buoyancy and / or a member for pulling the floating structure on the ramp.

[0017] The traction member is for example a chain allowing the movement and displacement of the floating structure from the first end to the second end of the ramp when the floating structure is intended to be launched, and in the opposite direction, in other words from the second end to the first end of the ramp in order to bring the floating structure back to the quay or on board a floating system or to return to a loading position of another possible floating structure. It is understood here that the traction member can exert a displacement of the floating structure along the ramp in two opposite directions.

[0018] The moving device additionally or alternatively comprises the pushing means.

[0019] It is understood here that the movement of the floating structure on the ramp can be carried out by three distinct means. A first means is the thrust means, a second means is constituted by the float and the means of managing the buoyancy of this float and a third means is a traction member of the floating structure which pulls the latter on the ramp so that its center of gravity crosses the pivoting member and is arranged between the latter and one or other of the ends of the ramp. Each of these means can be used individually to generate the movement. It is also possible to combine two of these means, or all of these means, to generate the movement of the floating structure.

[0020] According to another optional characteristic, the means for managing the buoyancy of the float comprises at least one chamber, at least one device for introducing or extracting water from the chamber and at least one means for circulating air between said chamber and an environment external to it.

[0021] The air circulation means may extract, naturally or forcibly, air from the chamber when water is introduced into it. This air circulation means is also used to introduce, naturally or forcibly, air into the chamber, when water is extracted from it. This air circulation means may also be used to increase the rate of rise or fall of the float. The air circulation means may, for example, be an opening located in the upper part of the float, allowing air to enter or exit the upper part of the chamber. Alternatively, the air circulation means may be an air compressor, and possibly pipes to connect this compressor to the chamber.

[0022] The water introduction or extraction device is, for example, a pump, and possibly conduits to connect this pump to the chamber.

[0023] According to another characteristic, the means for managing the buoyancy of the float comprises a control unit intended to at least coordinate the buoyancy of the float with a control of the thrust means and / or an implementation of the traction member.

[0024] The control unit may for example be an electronic box configured to control a balance between the elevation of the first end of the ramp generated by the thrust means and / or the traction force generated by the traction member, and therefore the degree of inclination of the ramp, and the level of floating of the float. It is important to avoid generating excessive mechanical stresses on the ramp and this coordination between the buoyancy of the float and the implementation of the thrust means and / or the traction member makes it possible to limit the creation of these stresses.To do this, the control unit comprises sensors assigned to the float, at least one sensor determining the position of the floating structure relative to the ramp, sensors assigned to the thrust means and / or to the traction member, and calculation means which align the position of the first end of the ramp, the axis of rotation of the pivoting member and the vertical position of the second end of the ramp, to which the float is attached.

[0025] According to another optional feature, the pivot member comprises a support configured to be fixed to the ground and a rotation bearing connected to a lower face of the ramp.

[0026] It is understood that the lower face is arranged opposite the quay, the shore or the floating system on which the support of the pivoting member rests.

[0027] According to another characteristic, the sliding device comprises at least one friction-reducing product arranged on an upper face of the ramp.

[0028] According to an alternative feature, the sliding device comprises at least one strip of a non-stick synthetic material arranged on the upper face of the ramp. For example, this material may be polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0029] The friction reducing product is for example a lubricant product.

[0030] The sliding device is in particular arranged on an upper face of the ramp. Alternatively or in addition to the friction reducing product, a strip, advantageously several strips, arranged on the upper face of the ramp and composed of any sliding material, can be used to allow the sliding of the floating structure from the first end to the second end of the ramp, and vice versa. The interface between the upper face of the ramp and the floating structure is an important element because it governs the force necessary to slide said structure on the ramp.

[0031] Advantageously, the movement device is configured to control the movement of the floating structure on the ramp. It is understood here that the means which embody the movement device permanently manage a speed of movement of the floating structure on the ramp and thus limit the speed of movement of this floating structure to a maximum threshold. This control can for example be carried out by finely controlling the inclination of the ramp. It is in this way that the movement of the floating structure on the ramp is controlled.

[0032] According to another characteristic, the launching or emersion device comprises at least one means for controlling a longitudinal movement of the floating structure configured to control the sliding of the floating structure on the ramp.

[0033] Advantageously, it is configured to limit this sliding for a launching operation. The longitudinal displacement control means prevents, for example, excessively rapid movement of the floating structure along the ramp. The longitudinal displacement control means also makes it possible to maintain the floating structure in position on the ramp, regardless of the inclination of this ramp. The launching or emersion device has as many longitudinal displacement control means as necessary configured to control the sliding of the floating structure on the ramp, from the first end to the second end in the case of launching or from the second end to the first end in the case of emersion. The longitudinal displacement control means or means are thus also a means for managing, that is to say controlling, the movement, in particular the speed, of the floating structure moving on the ramp.

[0034] According to one example, such a means for controlling a longitudinal displacement of the floating structure may be a means for retaining said floating structure.

[0035] The longitudinal movement control means may, for example, be one or more winches connected to the floating structure by cables or chains, this longitudinal movement control means being used to pull and / or hold and / or guide and generally control the movement of the floating structure along the ramp. The number of winches and cables / chains depends on the size and weight of the floating structure to be launched. The position of these winches and cables / chains may vary depending on the space available in the port or the space requirements to be met in the location receiving the launching or emersion device. According to one feature, the launching or emersion device comprises a system for vertical control of the pivoting member of the ramp.

[0036] The vertical control system allows to control a vertical position of the pivoting member, that is to say a distance of this pivoting member from the ground. This allows in particular to adjust a distance between the ramp carried by the pivoting member and the ground, which as a reminder can correspond to a quay, a shore or a floating system on which the pivoting member rests. The vertical control system, by moving the pivot point of the ramp away from or closer to the ground, allows to adjust the rotation angle of the ramp and thus to adapt to floating structures of different types or different dimensions. The vertical control system also allows to adjust the rotation angle according to maritime conditions, in particular according to the tides.

[0037] The present invention also relates to a method for launching or surfacing a floating structure which uses a launching or surfacing device as described in the present document, during which the following steps take place: a step of positioning the floating structure on an upper face of the ramp, for example in line with the first end of the ramp for a launching operation or in line with the second end of the ramp for a surfacing operation; a step of tilting the ramp which results from an implementation of the device for setting the floating structure in motion; a step of sliding, for example in a straight line, of the floating structure from or towards the float enabled by the tilting of the ramp and by the sliding device.

[0038] The method may optionally comprise: a step of controlling the movement of the floating structure along the ramp; and / or a step of coordinating between a position of the float and a position of the thrust means.

[0039] Additionally, the method may comprise a step of separating the floating structure from the launching or emersion device and a step of towing said floating structure thus launched or transporting it, when the structure is removed from the water.

[0040] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0041] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a device for launching or emerging a floating structure according to the invention;

[0042] [Fig. 2] schematically illustrates the launching or emersion device of figure 1, top view;

[0043] [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates the device for launching or emerging a floating structure according to the invention, in use;

[0044] [Fig. 4] schematically illustrates the launching or emersion device shown in Figure 3, seen from above;

[0045] [Fig. 5] schematically illustrates the device for launching or emerging a floating structure according to the invention, during the launching phase of said structure;

[0046] [Fig. 6] schematically illustrates the launching or emersion device shown in Figure 5, seen from above;

[0047] [Fig. 7] schematically illustrates the towing of the floating structure;

[0048] [Fig. 8] schematically illustrates the launching or emersion device shown in Figure 7, seen from above;

[0049] [Fig. 9] schematically illustrates a step of placing the launching or emersion device according to the invention in the loading position;

[0050] [Fig. 10] schematically illustrates the launching or emersion device shown in Figure 9, seen from above.

[0051] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0052] In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0053] In the detailed description which follows, the terms “longitudinal”, “transverse” and “vertical” refer to the orientation of a ramp belonging to a launching or emersion device according to the invention. A longitudinal direction corresponds to a direction parallel to an axis of elongation of the ramp in the loading position of the floating structure, this longitudinal direction being parallel to a longitudinal axis L of a reference L, V, T illustrated in the figures. A transverse direction corresponds to a direction parallel to a width of the ramp, this transverse direction being parallel to a transverse axis T of the reference L, V, T and this transverse axis T being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. Finally, a vertical direction corresponds to a direction parallel to a vertical axis V of the reference L, V, T, this vertical axis V being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and to the transverse axis T.

[0054] The description below describes more particularly an operation of launching a floating structure into the water, but it is understood that the means below can also operate an emersion of the floating structure, by carrying out the steps in the opposite direction to the launching steps.

[0055] Figure 1 thus illustrates, schematically, a launching or emersion device 1 according to a first embodiment intended to transfer a floating structure 2 from a quay or a floating system 15 to a marine environment 3 or from a marine environment 3 to a quay or a floating system 15, by means of a ramp 4, a float 10, a pivoting member 8 and a stop 14. The floating structure 2 is here a caisson mainly made of concrete.

[0056] As detailed in Figures 1 to 10, the launching or emersion device 1 is configured to move the floating structure 2 from a starting point A which is comparable to a quay 15, to an end point B which is the marine environment 3; with a view to being recovered by a tugboat 23 which transports it to a desired location, as illustrated in Figures 7 to 10. In the case of an emersion, the starting point is the marine environment 3 and the end point is the quay 15.

[0057] To allow the floating structure 2 to be launched or raised, the ramp 4 has a rectilinear and rectangular shape that is wide enough to fit the dimensions of the floating structure 2 and thus support the latter. As an example and taking into account the significant weight that the floating structure 2 may have, the ramp 4 is metallic and results from a lattice construction 21. Depending on the application (difference in height between the quay and the water, shape of the structures, weight of the structures, etc.), different types of materials and structures can be used to make the ramp.

[0058] The ramp 4 comprises an upper face 28 and a lower face 20, secured to each other by lattices. The lattices 21 have the advantage of reinforcing the mechanical strength of the ramp 4 by connecting the upper 28 and lower 20 faces together in order to be able to support the weight of the floating structure 2 which, as a reminder, can weigh several tens, or even thousands of tons.

[0059] In order to facilitate the launching or emergence of the floating structure 2, the upper face 28 of the ramp 4 comprises a sliding device 6. This sliding device 6 may for example be a product reducing friction such as a lubricant such as a high-resistance grease, or even strips of a non-stick synthetic material, such as for example polytetrafluoroethylene. These strips are referenced 30 in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10.

[0060] The ramp 4 is longitudinally delimited by a first end 4a and by a second end 4b. The first end 4a is arranged on the quay / floating system 15 side and corresponds substantially to the location through which the floating structure 2 can be loaded or unloaded from the ramp 4. The second end 4b is arranged on the side of the maritime environment 3 and it is through this second end 4b that the floating structure 2 is put into the water or extracted from it.

[0061] A pivoting member 8 is arranged longitudinally between the first end 4a and the second end 4b of the ramp 4. The pivoting member 8 defines a tilting line parallel to the transverse axis T around which the ramp 4 tilts, either towards the marine environment 3 during the launching phase of the floating structure 2, or towards the quay / floating system 15 when the ramp 4 is returned to its initial position for loading the floating structure, or during the emergence phase of the floating structure 2.

[0062] The pivoting member 8 comprises a support 9 intended to be made integral with the floating dock / system 15 and a rotation bearing 18 linked to the support 9 and in contact with the lower face 20 of the ramp 4. The support 9 raises the ramp 4 relative to the dock 15 and is configured to take up the load of the floating structure 2. The rotation bearing 18 is configured to allow tilting of the ramp 4 either by bringing the first end 4a of the ramp 4 closer to the dock 15, or by bringing the second end 4b of the ramp 4 closer to the marine environment 3. Generally, the inclination of the ramp 4 is around a direction parallel to the transverse axis T and which passes through the center of the rotation bearing 18.

[0063] In certain embodiments, the pivoting member 8 is associated with a vertical control system 42, which is notably represented in FIG. 11. The vertical control system 42 is for example a hydraulic cylinder. The vertical control system is here interposed between the support 9 and the rotation bearing 18 and connects these two elements to each other. The vertical control system 42 is configured to exert a vertical force which makes it possible, depending on the direction of the force along the vertical axis V, to move the rotation bearing 18 away from or closer to the dock / floating system 15. The ramp 4 being linked in rotation to the rotation bearing 18, the vertical control system 42 therefore makes it possible by extension to move the ramp 4 away from or closer to the dock / floating system 15, in particular its portion which is linked to the rotation bearing 6.It is understood that thanks to the vertical control system 42, the rotation bearing 18 is configured to take at least a first extreme position in which it is closest to the dock / floating system 15, and a second extreme position in which it is furthest from this dock / floating system 15. In the first extreme position, the vertical control system 42 is retracted, while in the second extreme position it is deployed. It is thus understood that a distance between the first extreme position of the rotation bearing 18 and its second extreme position is dependent on a degree of deployment of the vertical control system 42. In addition to the first extreme position and the second extreme position, the rotation bearing 18 can also take a multitude of intermediate positions between the first extreme position and the second extreme position.

[0064] In Figure 11, the vertical control system 42 is for example illustrated deployed, so that the rotation bearing 18 is in its second extreme position. In comparison with the embodiment of Figure 3, in which the launching or emersion device 1 is without a vertical control system 42, it should be noted that the vertical control system 42 allows a greater angle of rotation of the ramp 4, such an angle of rotation being for example measured between a plane in which the dock / floating system 15 extends and a direction of extension of the ramp 4.

[0065] A first position of the ramp 4, corresponding to the loading or unloading of the floating structure 2, is inscribed in a first horizontal plane P. A second position of the ramp 4, corresponding to the launching of the floating structure 2 or to its emergence, is inscribed in a second plane P2 visible in Figure 5, which forms an angle of approximately 45° with the first horizontal plane. Of course, such an angle value is given by way of example because this value depends in particular on the geometry of the ramp 4, the water level, the coefficient of friction between the floating structure 2 and the upper face of the ramp 4, and finally the loads involved.

[0066] Furthermore, the device for launching or surfacing the floating structure 2 comprises a device 38 for setting the floating structure 2 in motion relative to the ramp 4, which may take different forms. According to a first example illustrated in FIG. 1, this setting device 38 comprises a traction member 34 whose role is to pull the floating structure 2 towards the second end 4b of the ramp 4, or towards the first end 4a depending on the operation implemented by the device for launching or surfacing according to the invention. Such a traction member 34 may comprise at least one winch 36 and a chain 7 arranged longitudinally between the first end 4a and the second end 4b of the ramp 4.

[0067] According to one example, the chain 7 extends from the first end 4a to the second end 4b while running along the upper face 28 of the ramp 4 to return to the first end 4a while running along the lower face 20 of this ramp. It is understood here that the chain 7 forms a closed loop around the ramp 4. The traction member 34 can thus ensure a movement of the floating structure 2 in a first direction S1 going from the first end 4a to the second end 4b of the ramp 4 for launching the floating structure 2. Interestingly, the traction member 34 can ensure a movement of the floating structure 2 in a second direction S2 going from the second end 4b to the first end 4a of the ramp 4, for the operation of emerging the floating structure 2.

[0068] During an operation of launching the floating structure 2, the traction member can also play a role as a means of restraining the movement of the floating structure 2, when the ramp 4 is inclined.

[0069] For reasons of clarity of the figures, the traction member 34 is only shown in Figures 1 and 2, but it is applicable to all the embodiments illustrated in the other figures.

[0070] According to the first embodiment, the launching or emersion device 1 comprises a stop 14 which fixes the first position of the ramp 4 in the first horizontal plane P. In this situation, the first end 4a of the ramp 4 is in abutment against the stop 14. When the ramp 4 leaves its first position, the first end 4a moves away from this stop 14. When the ramp 4 passes from its second position to its first position, in other words when it passes from the launching of the floating structure 2 in the marine environment 3 to its initial position or when it carries out an emersion of the floating structure 2, the movement of the ramp 4 is damped by the stop 14, which limits the dynamic effect of the movement of the ramp 4 when it returns to the horizontal position. More precisely, it is the first end 4a of the ramp 4 which comes into contact with this stop 14.If necessary, the launching or emersion device 1 may include a damping system to absorb dynamic effects.

[0071] The float 10 is configured to take up the force that the ramp 4 undergoes during its tilting phase, whether for launching into the water or for emerging. Indeed, the weight of the floating structure 2 combined with the overhang of the part of the ramp 4 located between the pivoting member 8 and the second end 4b of the ramp 4 generates a load that the float 10 compensates for. The float 10 and its buoyancy management means 12 control the tilt of the ramp 4, which consequently makes it possible to manage the movement of the floating structure 2 on the ramp 4. In addition, this configuration makes it possible to avoid launching or emerging too abruptly of the floating structure 2 and thus to preserve the integrity thereof.

[0072] The float 10 and the means 12 for managing its buoyancy form a second example of the device 38 for setting the floating structure 2 in motion on the ramp 4. Indeed, the vertical position of the float 10 influences the inclination of the ramp 4, which leads to controlling the movement of the floating structure 2 on the ramp 4. Of course, the float 10 and the means 12 for managing its buoyancy can be combined with the traction member 34 to set the floating structure 2 in motion together.

[0073] It is noted that the float 10 is connected to the second end 4b of the ramp 4, for example by means of a pivot connection.

[0074] The float 10 is more or less ballasted, that is to say that it is possible to vary its buoyancy thanks to the management means 12. The buoyancy characterizes the vertical position of the float in the water. The management means 12 comprises at least one chamber 22 of the float 10, a device 24 for introducing or extracting water from the chamber 22 and a means 26 for circulating air to or from the chamber 22.

[0075] The chamber 22 comprises a first compartment 22a, a second compartment 22b and a third compartment 22c as seen in Figures 2, 4, 6, 8. These compartments 22a, 22b and 22c are distinct and allow the position of the float 10 in the water to be finely adjusted. The three compartments 22a, 22b, 22c are all filled with water and air in respective proportions which sets the buoyancy level of the float 10. The number of compartments may vary depending on the application.

[0076] The water introduction or extraction device 24 may for example be a pump sucking up or rejecting the water present in the compartments 22a, 22b, 22c of the chamber 22. The air circulation means 26 may for example be an opening made through an upper wall of the chamber 22 of the float 10. It may also be an air compressor capable of sucking up the air present in the chamber, or on the contrary capable of pressurizing the chamber 22, depending on the desired position of the float 10.

[0077] To control the sliding of the floating structure 2 on the ramp 4, the launching or emersion device 1 comprises a means for controlling a longitudinal displacement 32 of the floating structure, the role of which is to control the displacement of the floating structure 2 along the ramp 4 when a center of gravity of the floating structure 2 is arranged between the pivoting member 8 and the second end 4b of the ramp 4. This displacement means is longitudinal in that the floating structure moves between the two longitudinal ends of the ramp. This means for controlling the longitudinal displacement 32 may for example be winches secured to the ramp 4 and connected by cables or chains to the floating structure 2. The means for controlling the longitudinal displacement 32 secures the movement of the floating structure 2 when it slides on the ramp 4, during its movement, in particular by pulling the structure and / or by retaining it.The longitudinal movement control means 32 can control the speed of movement of this floating structure 2 on the ramp 4. The first embodiment of the launching or emersion device comprises a stop 14. The second embodiment of the invention differs from the first embodiment in that it comprises a means 16 for pushing the ramp 4. This means of pushing 16 can be combined with the stop 4, but it can also be a technical means separate from this stop 14.

[0078] The thrust means 16 forms a third example of embodiment of the device 38 for setting the floating structure 2 in motion on the ramp 4. In fact, the vertical position of the first end 4a of the ramp 4 influences the movement of the floating structure 2 along the ramp 4.

[0079] The thrust means 16 is configured to exert a vertical force which is applied to a portion of the ramp 4 located between the first end 4a thereof and the pivoting member 8. Advantageously, the thrust means 16 exerts its force against the first end 4a. According to an exemplary embodiment, the thrust means 16 is a hydraulic cylinder. Several thrust means 16 can be placed with other configurations to apply a vertical force, if necessary.

[0080] The role of the thrust means 16 is to generate the tilting of the ramp 4. It fulfills this role alone, but it is advantageous to fulfill it in combination with the float 10 and its buoyancy management means 12 and / or with the traction member 34.

[0081] When the float 10 is used, the latter is ballasted with water so as to cause it to sink into the maritime environment 3, which pulls the second end 4b of the ramp 4 downwards. By combining the thrust means 16 and the ballast of the float 10, possibly with the traction member 34, it is possible to pivot the ramp 4 and cause the floating structure 2 to slide against the upper face 28 of the ramp 4. Such a combination makes it possible to reduce the capacities of the thrust means 16 and its energy consumption, compared to the case where it operates alone.

[0082] In this second embodiment, the management means 12 also comprises a control unit 40 whose role is to coordinate the buoyancy of the float 10 with a position of the thrust means 16 and / or with an implementation of the traction member 34, so as to limit any buckling of the ramp 4. This control unit 40 is illustrated in figure 1 and it is of course transposable to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the other figures.

[0083] The control unit 40 is for example an electronic box configured to transmit a control signal to the thrust means 16 and / or to the traction member 34 and / or to the water introduction or extraction device 24 from the chamber 22 and / or to the air circulation means 26 to or from the chamber 22. Thus, the control unit 40 adjusts the elevation of the thrust means 16, and therefore the position of the floating structure 2, as a function of the buoyancy of the float 10 and vice versa.

[0084] Figures 1 and 2 show the launching or emersion device in an initial phase of a launching operation where the floating structure 2 is arranged on the part of the ramp 4 located between its first end 4a and the pivoting member 8. In the case of an emersion operation, Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the end of the emersion process, the floating structure 2 having been extracted from the water. It is then available to a crane or any lifting means to be unloaded from the ramp 4.

[0085] To initiate the tilting of the ramp 4, it is possible to use the pushing means 16. As mentioned above, it is also possible to operate the traction member 34 to pull the floating structure 2 towards the second end 4b of the ramp 4. It is also possible to ballast the float 10 and fill its chamber 22 with water. This is illustrated in Figure 1 by showing a water level in the chamber 22. One and / or the other of these means implements the tilting of the ramp 4 and causes the sliding of the floating structure 2, until the center of gravity of the latter passes over the part of the ramp 4 located between the pivoting member 8 and the second end 4b of the ramp 14.

[0086] The interface between the upper face 28 of the ramp 4 and the floating structure 2 is covered with the sliding device 6, in other words with a material with a low coefficient of friction to allow the floating structure 2 to slide on the ramp 4. The movement of the floating structure 2 during sliding is controlled by the movement device 38 and / or by the longitudinal movement control means 32, for safety reasons. Figures 3 and 4 show a step of the method where it is necessary to counteract the weight of the floating structure 2. To do this, the float 10 is relieved of its water and filled with air by the buoyancy management means 12. In doing so, the float 10 generates a vertical force in an upward direction which balances the force generated by the weight of the floating structure 2.

[0087] As the floating structure 2 approaches the second end 4b of the ramp 14, the float 10 is relieved of its water and filled with air so as to provide a force opposing a force generated by the weight of the floating structure 2. This force opposing the force generated by the weight of the floating structure 2 is increasingly significant as the floating structure 2 approaches the end of the ramp 14. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate such a situation where the float 10 is completely submerged while its chamber 22 is mainly filled with air.

[0088] The sliding of the floating structure 2 on the ramp 4 is controlled, which prevents any excessively sudden acceleration of the floating structure 2 along the ramp 4. This control can be carried out by the longitudinal displacement control means 32, when the floating structure 2 is launched into the water. In the case of emergence of the floating structure 2, the longitudinal displacement control means 32 can additionally exert a traction force so as to pull the floating structure 2 and bring it back to the quay.

[0089] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a step where the floating structure 2 must be released from the launching or emersion device 1, so that it floats in the marine environment 3. To ensure such separation, the means 12 for managing the buoyancy of the float 10 ensures that the latter descends into the marine environment 3 so that there is no longer any mechanical interference between the second end 4b of the ramp 4 and the floating structure 2. To do this, the float 10 is filled with water and the air contained in its chamber 22 is expelled, naturally or forcibly by the air circulation means 26. Ballasting the float 10 also makes it possible to avoid the dynamic effect of a sudden rise of the ramp 4 when the floating structure 2 is completely released into the water.The tug 23 then transports the floating structure 2, which is floating in the marine environment 3, to a desired location, not shown in the figures. If necessary, other additional elements may be used in combination with the float to avoid dynamic effects. In the case of emersion, Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the first step of the emersion process. In fact, the position of the float 10 must be lowered so that the floating structure 2 can take its place on the ramp 4.

[0090] The method of launching the floating structure 2 ends with a step of returning the ramp 4 to the initial position, i.e. a position for loading a new floating structure.

[0091] This step is carried out using the buoyancy management means 12 of the float which relieves the chamber 22 of its water, and allows the air to fill this chamber. The float 10 then undergoes an upward vertical movement which tilts the ramp 4 in a direction of rotation opposite to the direction of rotation for launching illustrated by figures 3 to 8. In a complementary or alternative manner, the thrust means 16 can also participate in the implementation of this step of returning to the loading position, which corresponds to that illustrated in figures 1 and 2. It is noted that this step is the one which allows the floating structure 2 to be brought back to the quayside when the device operates an emersion of the latter.

[0092] The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here and it also extends to any equivalent means and configuration as well as to any technically effective combination of such means.

[0093] The invention, as just described, achieves the goals it set itself and makes it possible to propose a launching or emersion device which can be installed simply, at the edge of a quay or a floating system, and thus make the link between a production site for floating structures of several tens of tons located near the quay or on a floating system, and the marine environment. The invention facilitates this launching or emersion step and this is important in a context where the marine environment is increasingly used for out-of-water activities, in particular. Indeed, the floating structures launched here are floating devices which serve as a base for one or more offshore wind turbines, pontoons or floating quays, aquaculture farms or factories or platforms at sea, for example.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Device for launching or emerging (1) a floating structure (2), comprising at least one ramp (4) having a first end (4a), a second end (4b) opposite the first end (4a) and a sliding device (6) for sliding the floating structure (2) on the ramp (4), the device for launching or emerging (1) comprising a pivoting member (8) of the ramp (4) connected thereto at a point arranged between the first end (4a) and the second end (4b) of the ramp (4) and a movement device (38) configured to generate a movement of the floating structure (2) on the ramp (4) comprising a thrust means (16) configured to raise or lower the first end (4a) of the ramp (4), the device for launching or emerging (1) comprising at least one float (10) connected to one of the ends (4b) of the ramp (4) and at least one means of managing (12) the buoyancy of the float (10).

2. Launching or emersion device (1) according to claim 1, in which the float (10) is connected to the second end (4b) of the ramp (4), the launching or emersion device (1) comprising a stop (14) bearing against the first end (4a) and holding the ramp (4) in a substantially horizontal plane (P).

3. Launching or emersion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, in which the movement device (38) comprises at least the float (10) and the means (12) for managing its buoyancy and / or a traction member (34) of the floating structure (2) on the ramp (4).

4. Launching or emersion device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the means (12) for managing the buoyancy of the float (10) comprises at least one chamber (22), at least one device (24) for introducing or extracting water from the chamber (22) and at least one means (26) for circulating air between said chamber (22) and an environment external to it.

5. Launching or emersion device (1) according to claim 4, in which the means (12) for managing the buoyancy of the float (10) comprises a control unit (40) intended to at least coordinate the buoyancy of the float (10) with a control of the thrust means (16) and / or an implementation of the traction member (34).

6. Launching or emersion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the pivoting member (8) comprises a support (9) configured to be fixed to the ground and a rotation bearing (18) connected to a lower face (20) of the ramp (4).

7. Launching or emersion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the sliding device (6) comprises at least one friction-reducing product arranged on an upper face (28) of the ramp (4).

8. Launching or emersion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the sliding device (6) comprises at least one strip (30) of a non-stick synthetic material arranged on the upper face (28) of the ramp (4).

9. Launching or emersion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the movement device (38) is configured to control the movement of the floating structure (2) on the ramp (4).

10. Launching or emersion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising at least one means for controlling a longitudinal movement (32) of the floating structure (2) configured to control the sliding of the floating structure (2) on the ramp (4).

11. Launching or emersion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a vertical control system (42) of the pivoting member (8) of the ramp (4).

12. Method for launching (1) a floating structure (2) using a launching or emersion device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, during which the following steps take place: a step of positioning the floating structure (2) on an upper face (28) of the ramp (4); a step of tilting the ramp (4) which results from at least one implementation of the device for setting in motion (38) the floating structure (2); a step of sliding the floating structure (2) from or towards the float (10) enabled by the tilting of the ramp (4) and by the sliding device (6).

13. Method of launching (1) according to claim 11 in combination with the launching or emersion device (1) according to claim 9, comprising a step of controlling the movement of the floating structure (2) along the ramp (4); and / or a step of coordination between a position of the float (10) and a position of the thrust means (16).

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