A system for locking and unlocking an elongated member comprising a sleeve and two fixing members, one at each end of the sleeve

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for locking / unlocking a cable 14 on a support, and includes a sleeve 11 having orifices at both ends for inserting and removing the cable 14 into and out of the sleeve 11, a first fixing member 12 attached to the sleeve 11 at a first end, a second fixing member attached to the sleeve 11 at a second end, and spacer means for increasing the distance between the first and second fixing members in order to apply tension to the sleeve 11. The second fixing member includes at least two bodies 15 and 16 movable relative to each other, and drive means 25 for causing a first movement of one body 15 or 16 relative to the other, the first movement causing the sleeve 11 to be tightened around the elongate member 14 at the second end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of systems for locking and unlocking substantially circular elongated members such as cables and ropes. The main field of application is the mooring of floating systems. More specifically, the main field of application targeted is the mooring of offshore power generation systems, especially floating structures for wind turbines, floating structures for oil and gas, floating solar power generation, wave energy systems, floating substations, and the production of energy carriers such as hydrogen and ammonia. In addition, this system can also be used in any field where it is necessary to hold a synthetic rope in a predetermined position (such as aquaculture, maritime transportation, fishing, lifting systems, boat play, etc.).

[0002] The elongated member to be locked may be a cable or rope made of metal or synthetic resin.

[0003] Locking and unlocking systems are generally used in the fields of boat play, mooring or tethering of floating platforms such as boats or floating structures for oil platforms and wind turbines. The present invention is more specifically intended for mooring offshore oil platforms and floating wind turbines.

[0004] The main purpose of the mooring line of a floating structure such as a wind turbine or an oil platform is to maintain the structure in a predetermined position when the structure faces the forces of wind, water flow, and waves. To fulfill this function, there are several types of mooring, such as single-point mooring and spread mooring, and several types of mooring from more or less tensioned mooring (such as taut mooring and semi-taut mooring) to catenary mooring.

[0005] The mooring line consists of a chain or metal cable, especially a steel or synthetic cable, or a combination of a chain and a cable. The choice of mooring type and material depends on the location (environmental conditions and water depth) and the function of the floating structure (such as oil production, oil drilling, wind turbine, etc.).

[0006] The mooring line is subject to high stresses, particularly in relation to the movement of wind, water currents, and waves. These stresses can pose a risk of fatigue failure of the mooring line. Furthermore, these natural phenomena cause displacement of the floating structure. Therefore, the mooring line needs to have excellent resistance to the induced stresses and allow for limited movement of the floating structure.

[0007] Therefore, the tension in the mooring line of such a wind turbine or oil platform is very high (for example, on the order of 5,000 kN for a floating wind turbine with a taut line and on the order of 1,500 kN for a floating wind turbine with a catenary line), which is not comparable to the much lower cable or rope tension values on the order of 35 - 40 kN encountered in boating or climbing (for example, for setting a yacht's sail).

[0008] Moreover, unlike the easily replaceable cables and ropes for boating and climbing, the mooring line can only be installed and replaced using heavy and expensive means. For example, to install or replace three mooring lines for a floating platform for a wind turbine and / or related locking and unlocking systems, at least three large boats with expensive daily rental fees are required. Furthermore, the installation and replacement of these mooring lines and / or locking and unlocking systems can only be carried out under favorable weather conditions (slight swell, particularly weak wind). Therefore, for the installation and replacement of the mooring line, it is necessary to provide substantial treatment time and robust and expensive means under favorable weather conditions. Also, it may be necessary to predict these installations and replacements, especially in winter, to avoid dealing with them during time frames under bad weather conditions over a long period. Therefore, it can be easily understood that the service life of the cables and locking and unlocking systems is important in this type of platform, and thus wear and damage must be prevented. Also, the installation should be carried out as quickly and simply as possible.

Background Art

[0009] Various techniques have been developed for locking cables and chains to a support (such as a boat, raft, platform, etc.).

[0010] The simplest and most well-known technique is splicing, which consists of creating a loop at the end of the cable by turning the cable back on itself and passing it through itself (buried splice) or by turning the cable back on itself and braiding it with itself (tack splice). Various fixing systems can be attached to this splice.

[0011] With this splice, the length cannot be adjusted during installation, and of course, it cannot be further adjusted over time.

[0012] The Jorlock system, as disclosed in French Patent Application No. FR3,001,517, is also known. This system consists of crushing the cable with jaws over a short cable length, i.e., when the cable is crushed, the cross-section of the cable changes from a substantially circular cross-section to an elliptical and / or flat cross-section. For this reason, the cable wears out quickly.

[0013] Furthermore, a system for setting and locking the cable within a sheath is also known, in which the cable is compressed when tension is applied to the sheath. International Patent Application No. WO2012 / 172,272 (US2014 / 223,967) relates to such a system.

[0014] This system provides an effective lock. However, as the cable moves slightly within the sheath and friction occurs between the sheath and the cable, abnormal wear of the cable and / or the sheath is observed. In fact, the free end of the sheath (not fixed to the support) is simply held in tension by an elastic tension line attached to the sheath at one point. It is not integrated with the cable. Therefore, the tension applied to the line on the sheath at one point does not generate a uniform tension at this end of the sheath. According to another variant, the free end of the sheath is arranged in a hub fixed to a spring that enables the retention of tension. In this case, since the sheath cannot contract within this hub, the cable cannot be clamped at this end.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0015] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to configure a locking and unlocking system for an elongated member that is adjustable both during installation and after positioning, including when the elongated member to be locked is under tension. Furthermore, the locking and unlocking system is suitable for locking an elongated member under very high stress and avoiding the need to replace the elongated member and / or the locking and unlocking system throughout the life of the platform by limiting their wear, as in the case of mooring lines for floating wind turbines or oil platforms.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0016] To achieve this objective, the present invention relates to a system for locking and unlocking a substantially circular elongated member on a support. A substantially tubular sleeve made of a sheath or structure, said sleeve having an internal volume portion and first and second ends, the sleeve having a first orifice at the first end and a second orifice at the second end, the first and second orifices enabling an elongate member to be fed into and out of the sleeve, a sleeve; A first fixing member suitable for attachment to a support, the first fixing member being attached to the sleeve at or near the first end, the first fixing member including a first opening for passing an elongate member therethrough, a first fixing member; A second fixing member to which the sleeve is attached at or near the second end; Spacer means for increasing the distance between the first and second fixing members to apply a tensile force to the sleeve and thereby contract the sleeve on the elongate member.

[0017] Furthermore, the second fixing member includes at least two bodies movable relative to each other and drive means for effecting a first movement of one body relative to the other body, the first movement causing the diameter of the sleeve on the elongate member at the second end to be reduced and thereby tightened.

[0018] The present invention relates to a system for locking and unlocking a substantially circular elongate member on a support. A substantially tubular sleeve made of a sheath or structure, said sleeve having an internal volume portion and first and second ends, the sleeve having a first orifice at the first end and a second orifice at the second end, the first and second orifices enabling the elongate member to be fed into and out of the sleeve, a sleeve; A first fixing member suitable for attachment to the support, the first fixing member being attached to the sleeve at or near the first end, the first fixing member including a first opening for passing an elongate member therethrough, a first fixing member; a second fixing member to which the sleeve is attached at the second end; spacer means for increasing the distance between the first fixing member and the second fixing member in order to apply a tensile force to the sleeve and thereby contract the sleeve on the elongated member.

[0019] Furthermore, the second fixing member includes at least two bodies movable relative to each other and drive means for causing a first movement of one body relative to the other body, the first movement causing clamping of the sleeve on the elongated member at the second end.

[0020] Advantageously, the second fixing member includes an outer part including a male body and a female body having the same axis and being coaxial, and a displacement device for displacing one of the male body and the female body in a direction of the other of the male body and the female body along the axis of the male body and the female body, the male body including an outer surface inclined with respect to the axis and an inner surface allowing passage of the elongated member, the female body including a conical inner surface having an angle substantially equal to the angle of the inclined outer surface of the male body with respect to the axis, the male body advantageously including at least three independent parts, and an axial displacement exerted by the displacement device causing a radial displacement of the at least three independent parts for clamping the sleeve to the elongated member near the second end.

[0021] Preferably, the inner surface of the male body includes at least one convexly curved portion.

[0022] According to a modification of the invention, the displacement device includes a screw system suitable for being fitted into an external or internal thread of the outer part, preferably a screw or a nut.

[0023] Advantageously, the displacement device is adapted to allow displacement of the female body in the direction of the male body, and the male body moves only radially.

[0024] According to one configuration of the present invention, the second fixing member includes two annular parts connected by a strip curved in the direction of the sleeve, and the second fixing member includes displacement means for increasing or decreasing the distance between the annular parts.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, the spacer means includes a spring and / or a cylinder such as a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder or an electric cylinder.

[0026] Advantageously, the second fixing member is provided with return means for displacing one body relative to the other body, preferably according to a second movement opposite to the first movement, the second movement causing the sleeve on the elongated member to loosen.

[0027] Preferably, the system includes translational guiding means for guiding the displacement of the second fixing member, preferably the guiding means includes a part having a machined dovetail joint, and the second fixing member includes an extension having a shape complementary to the dovetail joint. Advantageously, the sleeve is attached to the second fixing member.

[0028] According to a variant of the present invention, the sleeve is a woven, knitted or non-woven sheath containing metal fibers and / or fibers of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene or aramid.

[0029] Preferably, the sleeve has a structure including at least one preferably helically wound protective layer.

[0030] Advantageously, the second fixing member includes a stop device for restricting the relative movement between the at least two bodies movable relative to each other.

[0031] The present invention also relates to a method for locking and unlocking an elongated member by the above-described locking and unlocking system. a) Insert the elongated member into the system from one of the first and second orifices towards the other of the first and second orifices to a locked position, preferably applying tension to the elongated member; b) Once the locked position of the elongated member is determined, move the second fixing member away from the first fixing member so as to apply tension to the sleeve, and then displace one of the at least two bodies relative to the other by a first movement to lock the second fixing member onto the elongated member, or lock the second fixing member onto the elongated member by displacing one of the at least two bodies relative to the other by a first movement, and then move the second fixing member away from the first fixing member so as to apply tension to the sleeve; perform at least for locking; c) When tension is applied to the elongated member, release the tension of the elongated member, move the second fixing member towards the first fixing member to release the tension of the sleeve, and then displace one of the at least two bodies relative to the other, preferably by a second movement opposite to the first movement, to unlock the second fixing member from the elongated member, or unlock the second fixing member from the elongated member by displacing one of the at least two bodies relative to the other, preferably by a second movement opposite to the first movement, and then move the second fixing member towards the first fixing member to release the tension of the sleeve; perform for unlocking.

[0032] Advantageously, the support is a floating platform, and before performing step b) for locking, the floating platform is ballasted to increase its draft, and after step b), the floating platform is de-ballasted.

[0033] Other features and advantages of the system and method according to the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description of embodiments presented as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0035] The present invention relates to a system for locking and unlocking an elongated member on a support.

[0036] An "elongated member" is understood to be a member having a length greater than other dimensions.

[0037] The elongated member may be a cable or rope of metal or synthetic resin. The system according to the present invention is particularly suitable for synthetic resin cables. This is because this type of cable has a large space between fibers and / or strands and can therefore be better shrunk. Moreover, the frictional effect of this type of cable is greater than that of a metal cable, so the locking can be improved.

[0038] The locking and unlocking system can advantageously be composed of an elongated member.

[0039] The elongated member can have a "substantially circular" cross-section.

[0040] "Substantially circular" means having an overall circular cross-section, but the outer circumference does not have to be a perfect circle because strands may be present.

[0041] The support is a floating platform (e.g., oil, gas, wind turbines, ships, etc.), a person climbing, a fixed structure for a lifting member, etc.

[0042] The lock and unlock system is - A substantially tubular sleeve consisting of a sheath or structure, the sleeve having an internal volume portion and first and second ends, the sleeve having a first orifice at the first end and a second orifice at the second end, the first and second orifices enabling an elongate member to be fed into and out of the sleeve, the sleeve; - A first fixing member suitable for attachment to the support, the first fixing member being attached to the sleeve at or near the first end, the first fixing member having a first opening for the passage of the elongate member, the first fixing member providing connection (attachment) to the support and acceptance of tensile stress; - A second fixing member to which the sleeve is attached at or near the second end, preferably a second fixing member surrounding the sleeve while being fixed to the outer surface of the sleeve at or near the second end; - Spacer means for widening the distance between the first and second fixing members, the spacer means applying a tensile force to the sleeve, reducing the diameter of the sleeve, and clamping (constricting) the sleeve to the elongate member. In other words, when the sleeve is subjected to an axial tensile force, the sleeve applies a clamping force to the elongate member. The spacer means may be a spring or a cylinder. Alternatively, the spacer means can also be constituted by means for injecting / emptying ballast water. In fact, on a platform into which ballast water is injected by means for injecting / emptying ballast water, the second fixing member can be locked, and when the ballast water is emptied by this means for injecting / emptying ballast water, the first fixing member can rise together with the platform (since it is attached to the platform), and thus move away from the second fixing member. Thus, it grips by clamping the elongate member.

[0043] The sheath is understood to be a flexible material and / or fabric structure that is easily deformable (stretchable), preferably a woven or knitted fabric. In the case of the sheath, the material and / or fabric structure is deformed by the tension applied to the sheath, enabling a reduction in the diameter of the sleeve and thereby being deformable enough to clamp the elongate member. Thus, advantageously, the properties of the material and / or structure enable the sheath to be tightened around the elongate member. The concepts of "flexible" and "easily deformable" are understood in relation to the elongate member. In other words, the sheath is more flexible and more easily deformable than the elongate member.

[0044] This structure is understood to be a deformable structure, such as a protective layer wound around an elongate member. The protective layer preferably consists of a metallic material that itself deforms only slightly under the influence of tensile forces. Thus, here, the tightening of the sleeve around the elongate member as a result of the tensile force depends on the shape of the helical structure. In fact, by applying a longitudinal tensile force to the helical protective layer, the diameter of the protective layer decreases and thus the elongate member can be clamped.

[0045] The sleeve is deformable, i.e., it has a greater ability to deform, particularly to contract (reduce in diameter), than the elongate member and can clamp it.

[0046] The sleeve is substantially cylindrical, and its cross-section is included between a coaxial outer diameter and an inner diameter. Of course, since the sleeve is deformable, the deformed sleeve may no longer be completely tubular. Therefore, the feature of "substantially tubular" here means the stationary position, that is, the state where no tension is applied to the sleeve. The sleeve has an internal volume portion and first and second end portions (for example, the first end portion can be called the "upstream end portion" and the second end portion can be called the "downstream end portion"). The sleeve is deformable and contracts particularly under the influence of the tension applied to the sleeve, so the internal volume is different between the stationary position (the state where no tension is applied to the sleeve) and the operating position where tension is applied to the sleeve and the internal volume decreases as a result of the contraction of the sleeve.

[0047] The sleeve is substantially elongated between its first and second end portions, which means that the length along the axis is the main dimension (the maximum dimension) of the sleeve.

[0048] The length is the length that substantially linearly connects both end portions of the sleeve in a stationary state.

[0049] The sleeve includes a first orifice at the first end portion and a second orifice at the second end portion for sending an elongated member in and out of the sleeve. Therefore, these orifices have a diameter that is larger than or equal to the outer diameter of the elongated member when the sleeve is in the stationary position. In other words, the first and second orifices enable the elongated member to pass through the sleeve. The elongated member can be set within the internal volume portion between both end portions of the sleeve. In the "stationary position" of the sleeve, the internal volume portion enables the elongated member to slide within the sleeve, while when tension is applied to the sleeve, the elongated member is locked inside the internal volume portion of the sleeve.

[0050] According to one modification example, the distance (length) between the first orifice and the second orifice can be made greater than 5 times, preferably greater than 15 times, the inner diameter of the sleeve (the first orifice and the second orifice) at the stationary position. In fact, it is advantageous for the sleeve to have a sufficient length in order to distribute over the entire elongated member a sufficient clamping force due to the friction between the sleeve on the large surface and the elongated member.

[0051] According to another modification example, the distance (length) between the first orifice and the second orifice can be made less than 15 times, preferably less than 10 times, more preferably even less than 5 times, the inner diameter of the sleeve (the first and second orifices) at the stationary position. In fact, since the second fixing member is added, the clamping force is improved and the length of the sleeve can be shortened. This configuration is also advantageous for miniaturizing the system.

[0052] The expressions "proximate to the first end" or "proximate to the second end" mean that it is possible to attach the sleeve to the fixing member in a more or less extended region that is close to, preferably extending up to, the end.

[0053] When the sleeve is linearly arranged, the first and second orifices are preferably concentric so that the clamping of the sleeve on the elongated member is appropriately distributed over the entire circumference and length.

[0054] According to the present invention, the second fixing member includes at least two bodies that are relatively movable with respect to each other, and driving means for driving a first movement of one body relative to the other, and the diameter of the sleeve is reduced by the first movement, whereby the sleeve is clamped to the elongated member at the second end. Thus, by at least one body of the second fixing member that is movable relative to the other body, the sleeve can be clamped evenly over the entire circumference to the elongated member at the second end. Therefore, unlike the prior art systems, the elongated member can no longer move at this end, and as a result, friction is prevented and wear of the sleeve and the elongated member is prevented. Therefore, the service life is extended, which is particularly advantageous for floating offshore platforms such as floating wind turbines, thereby reducing the costs and procedures associated with the replacement of elongated members such as mooring cables and related locks and unlocking systems. The unlocking opportunity provided by this system particularly facilitates its replacement.

[0055] Furthermore, in this system, unlike the fixing system of a synthetic resin mooring cable using splicing, an external tensioning system is not required, and it is possible to directly set the mooring cable in a predetermined position during the installation of the platform. In fact, the cable can be pulled in during this installation and then locked at the desired length using the lock and unlocking system. The floating platform can also be placed in a temporary position (e.g., using ballast means) and then gradually transported to its final position and held in this position by a cable maintained at an appropriate length by the lock and unlocking system.

[0056] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the second fixing member includes an outer portion including a male body and a female body that are coaxial around the same axis (the male body and the female body form two bodies that are movable relative to each other), and along an axis (common to the male body and the female body), a displacement device for displacing one of the male body and the female body in the direction of the other of the male body and the female body can be provided. Therefore, the displacement device corresponds to a driving means for causing one body to perform a first movement relative to the other body. By displacing one of the male body and the female body toward the other, the male body is driven in the radial direction of the sleeve, and the diameter of the sleeve is reduced.

[0057] Advantageously, the outer portion can be cylindrical, or at least the male body and / or the female body driven by the displacement device can have an inner diameter that allows sliding.

[0058] In this first embodiment, the male body can include an outer surface inclined with respect to the axis. For example, this outer surface can be conical (at least partially conical), and the male body can also have an inner surface that allows the passage of the sleeve and an elongated member passing through the sleeve. The female body can have a conical (at least partially conical) inner surface having a conical angle substantially equal to the angle of the inclined (or conical) outer surface of the male body with respect to the axis. In other words, the inner surface of the male body forms a second opening. And the second fixing member surrounds the elongated member. The outer surface of the female body can be cylindrical, for example, which facilitates fitting and / or sliding into the outer portion.

[0059] According to the first modification of the present invention, the male body can include at least three independent parts such that the axial displacement exerted by the displacement device causes a radial displacement of at least three independent parts to reduce the diameter of the sleeve and thus clamp the sleeve to the elongated member near the second end.

[0060] The sleeve can preferably be integrally attached to the male body on the inner surface or one end of the male body (e.g., at least three independent parts of the male body), or the end of the sleeve can be locked between at least three independent parts of the male body in the longitudinal direction.

[0061] The three independent parts are configured to be able to change (increase or decrease) the inner diameter of the male body according to their respective positions. Therefore, the three independent parts enable a change in the volume defined by the inner surface of the male body, and at least one of the aforementioned male body and female body is suitable for sliding within the outer part.

[0062] The three independent parts can preferably be dispersed on the circumference of the elongated member so as to exert a locking force (which can also be called a tightening force for performing the tightening that brings about the locking) dispersed on the circumference of the elongated member. These three independent parts can preferably be separated from each other by a circumferential clearance that allows the inner diameter of the male body to shrink during tightening / locking.

[0063] According to a second variant of the present invention, the male body can include a single independent part, and this single independent part is configured to be able to reduce the inner diameter of the male body in order to clamp the male body to the elongated member. Therefore, the male body can be made of a deformable material such as plastic or elastomer, and / or may have grooves for facilitating the reduction of the diameter of the male body. In fact, the grooves enable the elastic deformation of the male body without causing cracks or damage to the male body. The single independent part facilitates the installation of the system. In this way, the single independent part can change the volume defined by the inner surface of the male body, and at least one of the male body and the female body is slidable within the outer part.

[0064] The sleeve can be integrally attached to the male body (for example, at least three independent parts of the male body, or a single independent part of the male body), preferably to the inner surface or one end of the male body (for example, at least three independent parts of the male body, or a single independent part of the male body). Alternatively, the end of the sleeve can be longitudinally lockable within the male body and function as a longitudinal stopper.

[0065] Preferably, the inner surface of the male body (for example, at least three independent parts, or a single independent part) can include at least one convex curved portion. In other words, the inner surface of the male body has a portion that curves in the direction of the elongated member. This convex curved portion can cause a gradual tightening of the body at the start of tightening, disperse the stress onto the sheath, and avoid stress concentration.

[0066] Advantageously, the displacement device can include a screw system suitable for fitting onto the external or internal thread of the outer part, preferably a screw or nut. Thus, the displacement device can allow a first movement that brings one body towards the other to reduce and lock the diameter of the sleeve, and a second movement in the direction opposite to the first movement that increases the diameter of the sleeve while unlocking. Moreover, this system is easy to implement.

[0067] Preferably, the displacement device is configured such that the female body can be displaced towards the male body so that the male body (for example, at least three independent parts, or a single independent part) moves only radially. Thus, for locking, the female body moves in the direction of the male body along the axis, whereby the male body is radially driven while reducing its inner diameter. Thus, the locking of the male body to the elongated member is performed without friction, but friction may occur if the male body moves at least partially axially during locking. Therefore, this configuration is particularly advantageous for reducing both the wear of the sleeve and the wear of the elongated member.

[0068] According to the third modification, the second fixing member can include two annular parts (for example, annular plates) connected by a strip curved in the direction of the sleeve, and the second fixing member includes displacement means for increasing or reducing the distance between the annular parts. The two annular parts may in particular surround the sleeve. By using a curved strip, the diameter of the sleeve can be reduced, so that the sleeve can be locked to the elongated member at the second end or the elongated member can be slid within the sleeve. By means of this displacement, the two annular parts can be separated from each other, whereby the elongated member can be slid within the sleeve. On the other hand, when the two parts are brought closer to each other, the contact between the strip and the sleeve locks the elongated member within the sleeve at the second end.

[0069] The displacement means may be, for example, a cylinder, a cam system, a screw-nut system, etc.

[0070] The strip may advantageously be distributed on the outer periphery of the elongated member so as to provide a clamping force distributed on the elongated member at the second end.

[0071] According to the configuration of the present invention, the spacer means described above can include a spring, a screw-nut system, and / or a cylinder such as a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, an electric cylinder, etc. These various systems facilitate moving the two fixing members away from or closer to each other. When the locking system is underwater in the locked state, the cylinder can reduce the risk of seizure of the screw-nut system and can also reduce the influence of corrosion that may affect the spring, which would be advantageous. The spring has the advantage of automatically fulfilling either the locking or unlocking function. The screw-nut system allows a manual operation enabling both locking and unlocking.

[0072] According to the configuration of the present invention, the second fixing member can preferably include a return means for displacement following a second movement of one body relative to the other body, which is preferably opposite to the first movement, and the second movement causes loosening of the sleeve on the elongated member. Thus, for example, it is possible to loosen the system in order to change the tension of the elongated member, in particular when the mooring line may crawl or slacken over time, or when a change in tension is required due to specific weather conditions (wind, thunderstorm, storm) and / or sea conditions (tide, swell, current).

[0073] As a non-limiting example, the return means may include a lever.

[0074] When the second fixing member includes a coaxial male body and female body as described above, the second fixing member can include a return means for displacing one of the male body or the female body in the opposite direction with respect to the other of the male body or the female body along the axis of the male body and the female body, and the above-mentioned return means is preferably a return spring or consists of the above-mentioned displacement means that is reversible in this case.

[0075] Preferably, the return means is configured to displace the female body in a direction opposite to the male body so as to avoid friction between the male body on the sleeve and / or the sleeve on the elongated member, and the male body only undergoes a radial displacement.

[0076] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the system can be provided with translational movement guiding means, such as guide rails, for guiding the displacement of the second fixing member relative to the first fixing member. By this guiding member, the translational movement by the spacer means becomes linear, on the one hand facilitating the translational movement, and on the other hand making the locking and unlocking of the sleeve on the elongated member more reliable. The translational movement guiding means is configured such that the first and second (cylindrical) orifices are coaxial.

[0077] Advantageously, the guiding means can include a guide rail. Preferably, the guiding means can include a part having a machined dovetail joint, and the second fixing member can include an extension having a shape complementary to the dovetail joint. The complementary shapes on the inner and outer sides of the dovetail joint provide effective guidance in a simple way.

[0078] Advantageously, the sleeve can be attached to the second fixing member, preferably to the inner surface of the second fixing member, such as the inner surface of at least three independent parts of the male body, or the inner surface of a single independent part of the male body, or the inner surface of the strip. Thus, the sleeve is integrally fixed to the second fixing member, and by relatively displacing one part of the body with respect to the other, the diameter of the sleeve can be increased or decreased, and as a result, the elongated member can be slid within the sleeve or, conversely, locked.

[0079] According to an embodiment of the invention, the sleeve can be a woven, or knitted, or non-woven sheath, and the sheath can include metal fibers and / or ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene or aramid fibers (which have the additional advantage of having a high coefficient of friction). This type of sheath enables effective clamping of the elongated member, high frictional resistance and / or high mechanical strength. For example, the material of the sheath can be TECHNORA® (Teijin Aramid, the Netherlands) or DYNEEMA® (DMC, the Netherlands). A polyester sheath is also conceivable. Polyester has interesting frictional resistance and coefficient of friction.

[0080] Alternatively, or in addition, the sleeve can have a structure including at least one, preferably helically wound, protective layer. This structure provides very high mechanical strength while allowing the diameter to be reduced when a tensile force is applied to the protective layer, which is particularly interesting for the mooring lines of floating platforms such as offshore oil platforms or floating wind turbines.

[0081] Advantageously, the second fixing member can include a stop device for restricting relative movement (e.g., relative translational movement) between at least two bodies that are movable relative to each other (e.g., between a male body and a female body). In this way, it is possible to limit the applied tightening to avoid damage to the sleeve or the elongated member. This stop device can advantageously be adjusted (and may include an adjuster) to better control the tightening. For example, the stop device can be a stopper.

[0082] The present invention also relates to a method of locking and unlocking an elongated member by a lock and unlock system as described above. This method includes a) inserting the elongated member into the lock and unlock system from one of the first and second orifices towards the other of the first and second orifices to a locked position, preferably applying tension to the elongated member until the locked position is reached, which is advantageous especially when the mooring lines of these floating platforms are in a tense or semi-tense state in a floating platform; b) once the locked position of the elongated member is determined, moving the second fixing member away from the first fixing member using spacer means so as to apply tension to the sleeve, causing the sleeve to contract, thereby leading to tightening of the sleeve around the elongated member, and then locking the second fixing member onto the elongated member by displacing one of the at least two bodies relative to the other by a first movement (e.g., by displacing one annular piece relative to the other, or by displacing one of the male body and the female body relative to the other of the male body and the female body, preferably by displacing the female body towards the male body, such that the male body (at least three independent parts of the male body, or a single independent part of the male body) is adapted to move only radially), or At least one of the at least two bodies is displaced relative to the other by a first movement to lock the second fixing member onto the elongate member (for example, by moving one annular piece towards the other, or by displacing one of the male and female bodies relative to the other of the male and female bodies, preferably by moving the female body towards the male body, the male body (at least three independent parts of the male body, or a single independent part of the male body) being adapted to move only radially), and then moving the second fixing member away from the first fixing member so as to apply tension to the sleeve, at least performing for locking.

[0083] By these two methods, clamping of the sleeve to the elongate member is reliably effected both at the current portion and at the second end portion by means of a second fixing member provided with at least two bodies movable relative to one another. c) When tension is applied to the elongate member, gradually release the tension in the elongate member. The tension applied to the elongate member is gradually transmitted to the sleeve held at the desired portion by the locking system. This gradual transmission of tension to the sleeve also has the effect of causing further shrinkage therein, thereby providing better gripping of the elongate member. For example, in the case of a mooring line of a wind turbine platform, a winch may be provided to maintain the tension in the mooring line and initially adjust the length of the line. Then, this position can be locked by a locking system that clamps the mooring line both within the sleeve of the system and at the second end of the sleeve. The second end preferably faces the seabed and the first end faces the winch. When the line is locked by the locking system, the tension at the winch can be released and the tension is received by the sleeve.

[0084] And for unlocking To release the tension of the sleeve, move the second fixing member closer to the first fixing member, and then, preferably by a second movement opposite to the first movement, displace one of the at least two bodies relative to the other, thereby unlocking the second fixing member from the elongated member (for example, by moving one of the annular pieces relative to the other, or by moving one of the male and female bodies in the opposite direction relative to the other of the male and female bodies, preferably by moving the female body in the opposite direction to the male body, at least three independent parts or a single independent part of the male body will move only radially), and optionally, the elongated member can be pre-tensioned using a winch or other tensioning means to avoid overloading in the second fixing member, or, Preferably by a second movement opposite to the first movement, displace one of the at least two bodies relative to the other, thereby unlocking the second fixing member from the elongated member (for example, by moving one of the male and female bodies in the opposite direction relative to the other of the male and female bodies, preferably by moving the female body in the opposite direction to the male body, at least three independent parts or a single independent part of the male body will move only radially), and then, to release the tension of the sleeve, move the second fixing member closer to the first fixing member.

[0085] Advantageously, the support is a floating platform, and before performing step b) of locking, the floating platform can be ballasted to increase the draft, and the floating platform can be de-ballasted after step b). Thus, the setup work is simplified, and tension can be easily generated in the mooring line without the need to pull the cable.

[0086] FIG. 1 schematically shows, by way of non-limiting example, a floating structure F comprising a mooring line L and a locking and unlocking system 10 according to the present invention for locking and unlocking the mooring line L.

[0087] The wind turbine E (only the lower part of the tower is shown) is arranged on the floating structure F.

[0088] Of course, other types of floating structures such as rafts, semi-submersible devices, and logs can also be used.

[0089] The floating structure F is connected to the seabed by mooring lines L, here three mooring lines L. Of course, it is also possible to use a different number of mooring lines without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0090] On the one hand, the mooring line L is connected to an anchor A laid or fixed on the seabed, and on the other hand, it is connected to the lock and unlock system 10 according to the present invention attached to the floating structure. Therefore, there is a lock and unlock system 10 for each mooring line. The lock and unlock system 10 can be arranged above the sea surface, for example, on a platform above the floating structure, or it can be arranged below the sea surface (in this case, the lock and unlock system 10 is a subsea system).

[0091] It is particularly advantageous that the floating structure F in FIG. 1 is a tension line structure of the lock and unlock system according to the present invention. In fact, the tension line structure requires good accuracy in terms of line length / line tension to ensure operation and stability, and it may be necessary to correct the adjustment of the mooring line length or tension over time, but this can be done using the lock and unlock system according to the present invention.

[0092] However, it is of course also possible to use other types of floating structures with catenary lines or semi-tension lines without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0093] FIG. 2 schematically shows the lock and unlock system 10 according to the present invention as a non-limiting example.

[0094] The locking and unlocking system is used to lock or unlock an elongated member 14, particularly a cable such as a synthetic cable.

[0095] The locking and unlocking system 10 includes a first fixing member 12 attached to a floating structure (e.g., the floating structure F in FIG. 1), a sleeve 11 (e.g., a sheath of fabric), and a second fixing member 13.

[0096] The sleeve has its first end fixed to the first fixing member 12 and its second end fixed to the second fixing member 13. An elongated member 14 such as a cable is set within the sleeve 11 from the first end to the second end of the locking and unlocking system 10, particularly the sleeve 11. The distance between the first fixing member and the second fixing member is changeable. When the distance increases, tension is applied to the sleeve 11, resulting in a contraction effect from the sleeve 11 to the elongated member 14, and as a result, it is possible to lock the elongated member within the system at the current portion of the sleeve.

[0097] The "current portion" is a portion located far from both ends, and thus, in the sleeve, it is understood to be a portion without the first fixing member 12 nor the second fixing member 13.

[0098] The locking and unlocking system is configured such that the elongated member 14 is locked within the sleeve 11 and the second fixing member 13, and the second fixing member 13 is positioned between the first fixing member 12 and the anchor point of the elongated member (e.g., the anchor A in FIG. 1).

[0099] The second fixing member 13 includes at least two bodies (not shown) movable relative to each other. By the movement of one body towards the other, the diameter of the sleeve 11 is reduced, and as a result, within the second fixing member 13, at the second end, the elongated member is locked within the sleeve 11. The elongated member 14 can receive a tension T in the direction of another anchor point (e.g., the anchor A in FIG. 1). This configuration is advantageous for a tension line or a semi - tension line.

[0100] FIG. 3 schematically shows an example of a second fixing member according to the present invention as a non-limiting invention.

[0101] The second fixing member includes a male body 15, a female body 16, and an outer portion 17. The second fixing member surrounds the elongated member 14 and the sleeve 11 in which the elongated member 14 is disposed, and the sleeve itself is attached to the inner surface of the male body 15.

[0102] The male body 15 has, for example, a conical inclined outer surface suitable for fitting into the conical inner surface of the female body 16.

[0103] The female body 16 has a cylindrical outer surface that substantially corresponds to the inner surface of the outer portion 17.

[0104] The male body 15 and the female body 16 can move in relation to each other, and one or both of the male body and the female body can move longitudinally with respect to the outer portion.

[0105] In FIG. a), the second fixing member is in a "rest" position (i.e., "unlocked"). The elongated member 14 can slide within the sleeve 11.

[0106] In FIG. b), the male body 15 is moving in the direction of the female body 16. Due to the contact portion between the male body 15 and the female body 16, this movement causes a reduction in the inner diameter of the male body 15. To allow this diameter reduction, the male body 15 can preferably be composed of at least three independent parts separated by a clearance, or alternatively, for example, by using a structure that allows this contraction, in particular grooves and / or a deformable material such as an elastomer or plastic, it can be composed of a single independent part that is deformable to allow the diameter reduction.

[0107] The effect of the reduction in the inner diameter of the male body that guides the contraction of the sleeve 11 and the elongated member 14 is observed. Accordingly, the sleeve 11 clamps the elongated member 14 at the second end of the sleeve 11.

[0108] In Figure c), the assembly consisting of the male body 15 and the female body 16 is moved within the outer part 17 to drive the second fixing member (or at least a part thereof) away from the first fixing member (not shown). This pulls the sleeve 11 upstream (i.e., in the direction of the first fixing member), causing the sleeve to contract, and thus having the effect of clamping the sleeve 11 to the elongated member 14 at the current part.

[0109] Tension T may or may not be applied to the elongated member.

[0110] Figure 4 schematically shows, as a non-limiting example, an example of the male body of the second fixing member.

[0111] This male body has, for example, a conical inclined outer surface S1 and a convexly curved inner surface S2 so as to limit stress concentration when clamping the sleeve to the elongated member.

[0112] Figure 5 schematically shows, as a non-limiting example, a three-dimensional drawing of the locking and unlocking system according to the present invention for locking the elongated member 14.

[0113] This system includes a first fixing member 12 that can be attached to a support such as a floating platform, a second fixing member 13, and a sleeve 11 suitable for setting and locking the elongated member 14.

[0114] The second fixing member 13 can be moved relative to the first fixing member 12 by a translational movement, preferably in the same direction as the tension T that can be exerted on the elongated member 14. To facilitate the guidance of the translational movement of the second fixing member 13 relative to the first fixing member 12, the first fixing member can include an extension 18 in the direction of the second fixing member 13, which extension 18 here consists of a machined dovetail joint, although other solutions can also be used.

[0115] Furthermore, the second fixing member 13 includes, on its outer portion (for example, the outer portion), a machined extension 19 having a shape complementary to the dovetail joint of the extension 18.

[0116] These machined dovetail joints guide the second fixing member 13 well during the translational movement of the second fixing member 13 relative to the first fixing member 12.

[0117] The double-headed arrow indicates the two-directional displacement that can be applied to the second fixing member 13.

[0118] FIG. 6 schematically shows, as a non-limiting example, a first variant of the second fixing member. The male body consists of at least three independent parts 21. The sleeve 11 is attached to the inner surface or end of the independent part 21 of the male body or is at least locked longitudinally. Each of the independent parts 21 includes at least a portion 22 inclined with respect to the axis on its outer surface so as to fit into the conical (at least partially conical) inner surface of a female body (not shown).

[0119] The elongated member 14 is set within the sleeve 11.

[0120] The separate part 21 includes a socket 20 that enables various separate parts to be positioned relative to each other and facilitates the displacement of the male body. The socket 20 also prevents the sleeve from getting stuck between two separate parts of the male body and causing pinching. As shown in the figure, the male body is in the "lock" position. In fact, in the "rest" position ("unlock"), various separate parts are separated by at least the clearance in the socket 20. While the male body is being moved, the clearance between various separate parts gradually reduces until it disappears in the "lock" position.

[0121] FIG. 7 schematically shows the operating principle of a first modification of the second fixing member according to the present invention as a non-limiting example.

[0122] The second fixing member includes a male body 15, a female body 16, and an outer part 17, and further includes a displacement device 25 consisting of an external thread such as a thread that fits into the internal thread of the outer part 17.

[0123] The sleeve 11 is longitudinally attached or locked to the end of the inner surface of the male body 15. This inner surface is convexly curved, that is, curved in the direction of the sleeve 11.

[0124] The outer surface of the male body 15 is at least partially inclined with respect to the axis AA, for example, conical (at least partially conical), the inner surface of the female body 16 is conical (also at least partially conical), and the angle of the outer surface of the male body 15 inclined with respect to the axis is substantially equal to the angle of the cone of the conical inner surface of the female body 16.

[0125] When the screw 25 is screwed into the outer part 17 through the rotational movement Rot, the female body 16 is driven to move in the direction of the male body 15. Since the longitudinal end of the male body 15 facing the female body 16 is fixed by the shoulder of the outer part 17, the male body cannot be driven to move longitudinally along the axis AA (the axis of the male body 15 and the female body 16, corresponding to the axis of the sleeve and the elongated member in the second fixing member).

[0126] The male body 15 is immobilized by the shoulder of the outer part 17, and the longitudinal displacement of the female body 16 causes a radial displacement of the male body 15 in the direction of the sleeve 11 of the male body 15, resulting in the contraction of the sleeve 11.

[0127] The reverse displacement of the screw 25 (rotation in the direction opposite to Rot) releases the pressure generated by the lock, thereby causing the sleeve 11 to loosen.

[0128] FIG. 8 schematically shows, as a non-limiting example, the first fixing member 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this first fixing member 12, the sleeve 11 is fitted between the inner part 30 of the conical upper surface 32 and the outer box 31 whose inner surface 33 is conical.

[0129] The inner part 30 can be fixed to the outer box 31 by a flange.

[0130] Therefore, at the position of this first fixing member 12, there is no means for clamping the sleeve 11 to the elongated member 14 at the first end of the sleeve 11.

[0131] FIG. 9 schematically shows, as a non-limiting example, a locking and unlocking system including the first fixing member 12 of FIG. 8 and a second fixing member 13 corresponding to the first modification example of FIG. 7.

[0132] The same reference numerals as in FIGS. 7 and 8 correspond to the same members and will not be described in detail again here.

[0133] In Figure a), the second fixing member is in the locked position, the nut 25 is fully pushed into the outer part 17, the female body 16 is in the maximum position in the direction of the male body 15, and the male body 15 is in the maximum radial displacement in the direction of the sleeve 11. As a result, the sleeve 11 is tightened to the maximum towards the elongated member 14 at the second end of the sleeve 11.

[0134] In Figure b), the second fixing member is in the "rest" position ("unlocked"), the nut 25 is loosened to the maximum from the outer part 17, the female body 16 is in the maximum position in the opposite direction to the male body 15, and the male body 15 is in the maximum radial displacement in the direction of the outer part 17. As a result, the sleeve 11 is loosened to the maximum from the elongated member 14 at the second end of the sleeve 11. The elongated member 14 can then slide freely within the second fixing member.

[0135] Figure 10 shows a locking and unlocking system comprising a first fixing member and a second fixing member, the principle of which is the same as that of Figure 9. Therefore, the same reference numerals as in Figure 9 correspond to the same members and will not be described in detail again here.

[0136] The locking and unlocking system includes spacer means comprising a spring 27 disposed between the first fixing member 12 and the second fixing member 13. The spring 27 is configured to be automatically driven to move the second fixing member 13 away from the first fixing member 12, thereby creating tension in the sleeve 11 and thus a force that causes the sleeve 11 to contract towards the elongated member 14.

[0137] To loosen the elongated member, it is possible to manually or use a device (not shown) (a cylinder, a lever with a cam, or other pressing device) to push the second fixing member 13 towards the first fixing member 12. Moreover, the first fixing member 12 includes a substantially cylindrical elongated extension 26 in the direction of the second fixing member 13, and this substantially cylindrical elongated extension 26 provides guidance for the longitudinal displacement (translation) of the second fixing member 13 (along the axis of the elongated extension 26 which is also the axis of the sleeve 11 attached to the first fixing member 12 and the second fixing member 13). As shown in the figure, the outer portion 17 of the second fixing member 13 can slide within the substantially cylindrical elongated extension 26.

[0138] Therefore, the spring 27 can be compressed (manually or using a pressing device) to send the elongated member 14 to the locking and unlocking system. Once the elongated member 14 is placed in the desired position (in some cases, when pulled with a predetermined tension value), the spring 27 can be decompressed. In this way, the spring 27 is released, driving the sleeve with tension, thereby clamping the sleeve 11 to the elongated member 14 at the current portion. Then, the nut 25 is screwed in to move the female body towards the male body, thereby causing a radial displacement of the male body towards the elongated member 14 to clamp the sleeve 11 to the elongated member 14 at the second end.

[0139] The nut 25 can also be screwed in before reducing the pressure of the spring 27.

[0140] FIG. 11 schematically shows a partial and three-dimensional drawing of the locking and unlocking system according to the present invention as a non-limiting example.

[0141] For ease of understanding, some parts are not shown.

[0142] The spring 27 functions as spacer means for moving the second fixing member away from the first fixing member.

[0143] The second fixing member includes the male body 15 identical to the first modification example described above. The male body 15 thus includes a plurality (at least three) of independent parts and is provided with sockets 20 for fitting these independent parts together with each other.

[0144] The female body 16 also has several parts which may or may not be independent, and they are configured to fit onto the inclined part (corresponding to the reference numeral 22 in FIG. 6) on the outer surface of the independent parts of the male body 15.

[0145] The nut 25 can be screwed in to drive the female body 16 in the direction of the male body 15, thereby clamping the sleeve onto the elongated member 14.

[0146] FIG. 12 schematically shows, as a non-limiting example, a second modification of the lock and unlock system according to the present invention.

[0147] The lock and unlock system includes a first fixing member 12, a sleeve 11, and a second fixing member. A spring 27 disposed between the first fixing member 12 and the second fixing member functions as spacer means. The spring 27 surrounds the sleeve 11.

[0148] The second fixing member includes an outer portion 17, a male body 15 consisting of a single independent part, and a female body 16. The male body 15 and the female body 16 are coaxial (their common axis corresponds to the axis of the second fixing member, i.e., the axis of the sleeve 11 within the second fixing member). The sleeve 11 is attached to the inner surface of the male body 15.

[0149] The outer surface of the male body 15 includes a portion inclined with respect to the axis, for example, conical, and is suitable for fitting into the inner surface of the female body 16 which also includes a conical portion. Therefore, the angle of the inclined portion of the outer surface of the male body 15 with respect to the axis and the cone angle of the conical portion of the inner surface of the female body 16 are substantially equal.

[0150] The male body 15 consists of a single independent part. In order to reduce or increase the inner diameter of the male body 15, its structure and / or its material are configured to be able to vary the inner diameter of the male body (e.g., by means of grooves in the male body and / or by using elastomer or plastic materials).

[0151] The driving means for driving the female body 16 in the direction of the male body (or in the opposite direction) includes a lever 31 that drives a shaft (not shown), which itself drives a cam 30 that operates to move the female body 16 away from the male body 15 when the cam engages the female body. At a position where the cam does not drive the female body 16 in the direction of moving away from the male body 15, a spring 27 that functions as spacer means for driving the second fixing member away from the first fixing member also functions as means for driving the female body 16 towards the male body 15.

[0152] When the female body 16 is displaced towards the male body 15 (longitudinal translational movement along the axis common to the male body 15 and the female body 16), the male body 15 is driven radially towards the sleeve 11, whereby the inner diameter of the male body 15 becomes smaller. Accordingly, the diameter of the sleeve 11 also becomes smaller at its second end (inside the second fixing member), thereby causing the sleeve 11 to contract on the elongated member and enabling locking at this second end.

[0153] The second fixing member (especially the outer part 17) can include an extension in the direction of the first fixing member 12, and the first fixing member 12 can also include an extension in the direction of the second fixing member. These two extensions are configured to allow longitudinal translational movement relative to each other and thus function as a guide for the displacement of the longitudinal translational movement of the second fixing member relative to the first fixing member 12.

[0154] FIG. 13 schematically shows, as a non-limiting example, an example of a male body 15 made of a single independent part for a second variant of the locking and unlocking system according to the invention, which second variant corresponds to that of FIG. 12 described above.

[0155] The male body 15 includes an outer surface having at least a conical portion S1 and an inner surface S2 to which the sleeve is attached.

[0156] The conical portion S1 of the outer surface of the male body is designed to fit into the inner surface of a female body (not shown).

[0157] The male body 15 includes several grooves R1 and R2 that extend longitudinally along the axis of the male body 15 (particularly the axis of the conical portion S1 of the outer peripheral surface of the male body 15), but do not completely penetrate the male body 15 in the longitudinal direction, so that the inner diameter can be reduced when the male body engages with the female body. (The grooves do not penetrate in the longitudinal direction).

[0158] The first groove R1 extends longitudinally from the first longitudinal end E1 of the male body 15 and does not open at the other longitudinal end E2. These first grooves R1 penetrate the thickness of the male body 15 and extend radially from the outer surface toward the inner surface S2.

[0159] The second groove R2 extends longitudinally from the second longitudinal end E2 of the male body 15 and does not open at the other longitudinal end E1. These second grooves R2 penetrate the thickness of the male body 15 and extend radially from the outer surface toward the inner surface S2.

[0160] Since the first and second grooves that penetrate the thickness of the male body pass radially in this way, the male body 15 can be deformed, and in particular, the inner diameter can be reduced. Moreover, by using the first and second grooves R1 and R2 that do not penetrate in the longitudinal direction (i.e., open only at one of the two ends E1 and E2 of the first and second ends), the male body 15 can be kept as a single independent part.

[0161] The first and second grooves R1 and R2 are evenly distributed over the outer periphery of the male body 15 so as to cause a uniform deformation of the male body 15 over the outer periphery of the male body 15.

[0162] Furthermore, the first groove R1 and the second groove R2 alternate with each other over the outer circumference. By having the first groove R1 and the second groove R2 continue in this way, deformation of the male body 15 can be homogenized.

[0163] By using these first and second grooves R1 and R2, the male body 15 is adapted to have its inner diameter reduced (its outer diameter reduced) when engaging with the female body, and when removed from the female body, the male body is adapted to have its diameter enlarged and recover its initial diameter in the "rest" position.

[0164] FIG. 14 schematically shows, as a non-limiting example, a third variant of the lock and unlock system according to the present invention.

[0165] The lock and unlock system includes a first fixing member 12, a sleeve 11, and a second fixing member. A spring 27 disposed between the first fixing member 12 and the second fixing member functions as spacer means. The spring 27 surrounds the sleeve 11.

[0166] The second fixing member includes an outer portion 17, two annular parts 29a and 29b, and a plurality of strips 28 each having a longitudinal end (along the axis of the second fixing member, i.e., of the sleeve 11 in the second fixing member) attached to a separate annular part 29a / 29b.

[0167] As shown in the "rest" position of the drawing, the strip 28 is curved in the direction of the elongated member, facilitating clamping of the sleeve 11 to the elongated member 14 when the two annular parts 29a / 29b approach each other.

[0168] The second fixing member (in particular the outer part 17) can include an extension in the direction of the first fixing member 12, and the first fixing member 12 also includes an extension in the direction of the second fixing member. These two extensions are configured to enable a longitudinal translational movement relative to each other, and thus function as a guide for the longitudinal translational movement displacement of the second fixing member relative to the first fixing member 12.

[0169] The second fixing member also includes drive means for driving one of the annular parts in the direction of the other. Depending on its position, this drive means brings the annular part 29b closer to the annular part 29a (a first movement is executed that enables tightening on the elongated member 14 of the sleeve 11), or conversely, moves the annular part 29b away from the annular part 29a (a second movement is executed that enables loosening of the sleeve 11 from the elongated member 14), and includes a lever 31 associated with a cam 30.

[0170] FIG. 15 schematically shows, as a non-limiting example, a partial three-dimensional view of a third variant of the locking and unlocking system corresponding to FIG. 14.

[0171] In this drawing, some parts are not shown for clarity.

[0172] The spring 27 functions as spacer means for driving the second fixing member away from the first fixing member 12.

[0173] The second fixing member includes two annular parts 29a and 29b that are separated and spaced apart by a plurality of strips 28 attached at each end to one of the two different annular parts 29a / 29b. The sleeve 11 is attached to the strips 28 on the inner surface of the strips 28.

[0174] Moreover, by means of the drive means, the annular parts 29a / 29b can be driven to move away from or closer to each other. This drive means includes a lever 31 that rotatably drives the shaft 32, and a cam is fixed to the shaft 32. Therefore, while the lever 31 is being operated, the cam rotates about the axis of the shaft 32. Depending on the position of the cam, the annular part 29b can be driven to move away from the annular part 29a or closer to the annular part 29a, which respectively leads to unlocking the sleeve 11 of the elongated member 14 or, conversely, locking the sleeve 11 onto the elongated member 14. The shaft 32 is preferably rotatably connected to an outer part (not shown in FIG. 15 and corresponding to reference numeral 17 in FIG. 14).

[0175] Of course, without departing from the scope of the present invention, other embodiments, in particular, different drive means, different displacement means, different return means, different spacer means, different guiding means are also conceivable.

Claims

1. A system (10) for locking and unlocking a substantially circular elongated member (14) on a support, comprising: A substantially tubular sleeve (11) consisting of a sheath or structure, said sleeve (11) having an internal volume portion and first and second ends, said sleeve (11) having a first orifice at said first end and a second orifice at said second end, said first and second orifices enabling the elongated member (14) to be fed into and out of the sleeve (11); a sleeve (11); A first fixing member (12) suitable for attachment to said support, said first fixing member (12) being attached to said sleeve (11) at or near the first end, said first fixing member (12) including a first opening for passing the elongated member (14); a first fixing member (12); A second fixing member (13) to which said sleeve (11) is attached at said second end; Spacer means for increasing the distance between the first fixing member (12) and the second fixing member (13) to apply a tensile force to said sleeve (11) and thereby contract the sleeve (11) on said elongated member (14); The second fixing member (13) includes at least two bodies movable relative to each other and drive means for effecting a first movement of one body relative to the other body, the first movement causing clamping of the sleeve on the elongated member at the second end. A locking and unlocking system characterized by this.

2. The second fixing member (13) includes an outer part (17) comprising a male body (15) and a female body (16) having the same axis and being coaxial, and a displacement device for displacing one of the male body and the female body (15, 16) in the direction of the other of the male body and the female body (15, 16) along the axis of the male body and the female body (15, 16), wherein the male body (15) includes an inclined outer surface (S1) and an inner surface (S2) allowing the passage of an elongated member, the female body (16) includes a conical inner surface having an angle substantially equal to the angle of the inclined outer surface (S1) of the male body (15) with respect to the axis, the male body (15) preferably includes at least three independent parts, and the axial displacement exerted by the displacement device causes a radial displacement of the at least three independent parts in order to clamp the sleeve (11) to the elongated member (14) near the second end, the locking and unlocking system (10) of an elongated member according to claim 1.

3. The locking and unlocking system (10) according to claim 2, wherein the inner surface of the male body (15) includes at least one convexly curved portion (S2).

4. The locking and unlocking system (10) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the displacement device includes a screw system suitable for fitting into an external or internal thread of the outer part, preferably a screw or a nut.

5. The displacement device is configured to enable the displacement of the female body (16) in the direction of the male body (15), and the male body (15) moves only radially, the locking and unlocking system (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The second fixing member (13) includes two annular parts connected by a strip curved in the direction of the sleeve, and the second fixing member includes displacement means for increasing or decreasing the distance between the annular parts, the locking and unlocking system (10) according to claim 1.

7. The spacer means includes a spring and / or a cylinder such as a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder or an electric cylinder, the locking and unlocking system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The second fixing member (13) preferably comprises a return means for displacing one body relative to the other body according to a second movement opposite to the first movement, the second movement causing the sleeve (11) on the elongate member (14) to loosen, the locking and unlocking system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The system includes translational guiding means for guiding the displacement of the second fixing member (13), preferably the guiding means includes a part having a machined dovetail joint, and the second fixing member (13) includes an extension having a shape complementary to the dovetail joint, the locking and unlocking system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The sleeve (11) is attached to the second fixing member (13), the locking and unlocking system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The sleeve (11) is a woven, or knitted, or non-woven sheath containing metal fibers and / or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene or aramid fibers, the locking and unlocking system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The sleeve (11) has a structure including at least one preferably helically wound protective layer, the locking and unlocking system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The second fixing member (13) includes a stop device for restricting the relative movement between the at least two bodies movable relative to each other, the locking and unlocking system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A method of locking and unlocking an elongate member using the locking and unlocking system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising: a) inserting the elongate member (14) into the system (10) from one of the first and second orifices towards the other of the first and second orifices to a locked position, preferably applying tension to the elongate member (14); b) once the locked position of the elongate member (14) is determined, Move the second fixing member (13) away from the first fixing member (12) so as to apply tension to the sleeve (11), and then displace one of the at least two bodies relative to the other by a first movement, thereby locking the second fixing member (13) onto the elongate member (14), or Locking the second fixing member (13) onto the elongate member (14) by displacing one of the at least two bodies relative to each other by a first movement, and then moving the second fixing member (13) away from the first fixing member (12) so as to apply tension to the sleeve (11), a step; At least execute for locking, c) If the elongate member (14) is under tension, release the tension of the elongate member (14) to Release the tension of the sleeve (11), move the second fixing member (13) closer to the first fixing member (12), and then displace one of the at least two bodies relative to the other, preferably by a second movement opposite to the first movement, thereby unlocking the second fixing member (13) from the elongate member (14), or Preferably by a second movement opposite to the first movement, displace one of the at least two bodies relative to the other to unlock the second fixing member (13) from the elongate member (14), and then move the second fixing member (13) closer to the first fixing member (12) to release the tension of the sleeve (11), A locking and unlocking method executed for unlocking.

15. The method for locking and unlocking according to claim 14, wherein the support is a floating platform, the floating platform is ballasted to increase its draft before performing step b) for locking, and the floating platform is de-ballasted after step b).

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