Coring tool and vehicle for sampling operations using this coring tool

Abstract

The present invention concerns a coring tool (1) for taking a sample (C), comprising: - a tang (2) configured to be rotated around a rotation axis (R-R); - an outer tubular element (3) mounted on the tang so as to be integral with it in rotation and having a cutting portion (32); - an inner tubular element (4), coaxially housed in the outer tubular element (3), having a cavity (40) adapted to receive the sample (C) and accessible through an inlet mouth (42); - a retaining group (5) switchable between an open configuration and a closed configuration in which it respectively leaves free or obstructs the inlet mouth (42); - a locking element (7) having a first portion (71) fixed to the inner tubular element (4) and a second portion (72) rotatably housed in the tang (2), said second portion (72) being lockable in rotation in order to fix the angular position of the inner tubular element (4) upon rotation of the outer tubular element (5) around the rotation axis (R- R).

Description

[0001] Title: "Coring tool and vehicle for sampling operations using this coring tool"

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to a coring tool that can be used for taking samples such as, for example, seabed samples.

[0005] The present invention also relates to a vehicle for sampling operations, in particular an underwater vehicle for seabed sampling operations, using the aforesaid coring tool.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] Coring is a well-known sampling technique that consists of taking cylindrical soil / ice / rock samples for analysis purposes, commonly called "cores".

[0008] To carry out the coring operations, special tools (in jargon, "corers") have been set up, configured to take cylindrical samples by penetrating deep into the surface to be analysed.

[0009] The known corers are composed of one or more concentric tubular elements and a sample retention system therein.

[0010] For example, retention systems are known comprising a basket made of plastic or metallic material composed of a plurality of elastic radial fins which, in the rest position, keep the basket closed. During coring, the sample material passes through the flexible fins, which facilitate its passage in the cutting direction. Once the cutting is finished, the extraction movement of the core causes these fins to lock the sample.

[0011] Retention systems comprising conical expansion rings implemented by the extraction movement of the corer are also known. When expanded, these conical rings wrap around the sample so as to block its translation and prevent it from escaping from the core. In use, the corers are rotated and gradually sunk into the surface to be sampled so that, as a result of their rotational-translational motion, the core is formed inside them.

[0012] It should be noted that the rotary motion of the innermost tubular element, i.e. that which comes into direct contact with the sample, is also transferred to the sample itself by friction.

[0013] Disadvantageously, such movement of the sample may cause it to be crushed or partially damaged, thus affecting its viability and usability for analysis.

[0014] This issue is of significant importance in non-invasive coring operations on inhomogeneous and fragile materials that, being characterised by the high presence of voids (e.g. coralligenous), are easily crushed.

[0015] Object of the invention

[0016] In this context, the task of the person skilled in the art at the basis of the present invention is to propose a coring tool and a vehicle for sampling operations using such a tool to overcome the drawbacks of the above-mentioned prior art.

[0017] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a coring tool capable of preserving the integrity of the sample taken, avoiding crushing or partial damage during the coring operation.

[0018] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a coring tool suitable for the sampling of inhomogeneous and fragile materials characterized by a high presence of voids such as, for example, the seabed.

[0019] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle for sampling operations using such a coring tool.

[0020] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, the technical task indicated and the specified objects are achieved by a coring tool and a vehicle for sampling operations using such a tool in accordance with one or more of the claims below.

[0021] In particular, the present invention proposes to provide a coring tool comprising: a tang configured to be rotated; an outer tubular element, provided with a cutting portion, mounted on the tang so as to be integral with it in rotation; an inner tubular element, housed coaxially in the outer tubular element, provided with a cavity adapted to receive the sample, and an inlet mouth; and a retaining group switchable by appropriate switching members between an open configuration and a closed configuration in which it respectively leaves free or obstructs the inlet mouth.

[0022] The coring tool of the present invention also includes a locking element having a first portion fixed to the inner tubular element and a second portion rotatably housed in the tang around the rotation axis.

[0023] The second portion is lockable in rotation around the rotation axis of the tang so that, upon rotation of the latter, the inner tubular element is locked around the rotation axis (i.e. it does not vary its angular position) and the outer tubular element rotates relative to the inner tubular element to cut the surface to be sampled.

[0024] Advantageously, the sample gradually entering the cavity of the inner tubular element through the inlet mouth does not encounter rotating walls as in known corers and, therefore, is not subject to the aforementioned potential crushing or partial damage problems.

[0025] It is therefore evident that the coring device that is the object of the present invention is able to preserve the integrity of the samples taken, thus being particularly suitable for use for the sampling of inhomogeneous and fragile materials characterized by the high presence of voids such as, for example, the seabed.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is a vehicle for sampling operations comprising the aforesaid coring device, a gripping group configured to grip the tang, and motorisation means configured to rotate the latter.

[0027] Advantageously, said vehicle further comprises locking members configured to act on the locking element so as to lock the angular position of the inner tubular element against the rotation of the tang around the rotation axis.

[0028] LIST OF FIGURES

[0029] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of an exemplary, but not exclusive, and therefore nonlimiting preferred embodiment of a coring tool and a vehicle for sampling operations using such a tool, as illustrated in the appended figures, wherein:

[0030] - Figure 1 shows a side view of a coring tool according to the present invention;

[0031] - Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the coring tool of Figure 1 in section to show some internal construction details;

[0032] - Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the coring tool of Figure 1 in section;

[0033] - Figure 4 shows a perspective view of further details of the coring tool of Figure 1 in section;

[0034] - Figure 5 shows a perspective view of some components of the coring tool of Figure 1, one of which is represented in section so as to show its internal portion;

[0035] - Figure 6a shows a perspective view of some components of the coring tool of Figure 1 in section in a first position;

[0036] - Figure 6b shows an enlargement of some details of Figure 6a;

[0037] - Figure 6c shows a perspective view of the components of the coring tool of Figure 6a in a second position;

[0038] - Figure 7a shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the further components of the coring tool of Figure 1, in an open configuration; - Figure 7b shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the further components of the coring tool of Figure 7a in a closed configuration;

[0039] - Figure 8a shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the further components of the coring tool of Figure 1, in an open configuration;

[0040] - Figure 8b shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the further components of the coring tool of Figure 8a in the closed configuration;

[0041] - Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle for sampling operations using the coring tool of Figure 1 according to the present invention;

[0042] - Figure 10a shows the coring tool of Figure 1 engaged with appropriate locking members of the vehicle; and

[0043] - Figure 10b shows the coring tool of Figure 1 disengaged from the locking members of the vehicle

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The present description relates to a coring tool 1 for taking a sample C, commonly referred to as a "core".

[0046] In the context of the present invention, the term "coring" refers to a sampling technique that consists of taking cylindrical samples - typically of soil, ice, rock, or seabed - for analysis purposes.

[0047] According to one aspect, the coring tool 1 that is object of the present invention is particularly suitable for taking seabed samples C which, as known, are characterized by a high presence of voids - such as, for example, coralligenous - which make them particularly delicate and subject to crushing.

[0048] The coring tool 1 is suitable to be installed on-board a vehicle 100 for sampling operations, preferably an underwater vehicle for seabed sampling. More details on the vehicle 100 will be provided later in the disclosure. The coring tool 1 comprises a tang 2 configured to be rotated around a rotation axis R-R.

[0049] In use, the tang 2 is gripped by a gripping group 101 so that it can be moved and rotated during the operation of taking the sample C.

[0050] According to one aspect, the gripping group 101 has a seat (not shown in the Figures) adapted to receive the tang 2 of the coring tool 1 and gripping members (not shown in the Figures) configured to engage with the tang 2 so as to retain it housed in the seat.

[0051] According to a further aspect, the gripping group 101 is connected to motorisation means 102 configured to rotate it around the rotation axis R-R. During coring, the tang 2 is housed in the seat and gripped by the gripping members so that the drive of the motorisation means 102 rotates the gripping group 101 and, consequently, the tang 2 around the rotation axis R-R.

[0052] With reference to Figures 1-3, the coring tool 1 also comprises an outer tubular element 3 mounted on the tang 2 so as to be integral with it in rotation around the rotation axis R-R.

[0053] It should be specified that in the context of the present invention, "tubular element" is intended to indicate an elongated hollow body extending along a prevailing extension direction D-D between opposite ends.

[0054] Preferably, the prevailing extension direction D-D of the outer tubular element 3 extends along the rotation axis R-R.

[0055] Still with reference to Figures 1-3, the outer tubular element 3 has a mounting portion 31 mounted on the tang and an opposite cutting portion 32.

[0056] According to an aspect shown in Figure 4, the coring tool 1 comprises one or more cutting inserts 8 mounted on the cutting portion 32 of the outer tubular element

[0057] 3 around the rotation axis R-R. Preferably, the coring tool 1 comprises two cutting inserts 8 arranged concentrically to each other on the cutting portion 32.

[0058] During the coring operation, the cutting portion 32 or the cutting inserts 8 mounted on the latter, due to the rotation of the outer tubular element 3 around the rotation axis R-R, cut a surface to be sampled causing the gradual sinking of the coring tool 1 and the consequent formation of the sample C therein.

[0059] Preferably, the outer tubular element 3 has a hollow cylindrical shape extending between the mounting portion 31 and the cutting portion 32, at which it has respective openings 31a, 32a.

[0060] The opening 31a at the mounting portion 31 can be used to mount the outer tubular element 3 on the tang 2. Otherwise, the opening 32a associated with the cutting portion 32 allows the introduction of the sample C into the coring tool 1.

[0061] The coring tool 1 further comprises an inner tubular element 4 configured to be coaxially housed in the outer tubular element 3 between the mounting portion 31 and the cutting portion 32.

[0062] Preferably, the outer and inner tubular element 3, 4 extend along the same prevailing extension direction D-D, one inside the other.

[0063] With reference to Figure 2, the inner tubular element 4 has a cavity 40 adapted to receive the sample C and an inlet mouth 42, arranged at the aforesaid cutting portion 32, configured to allow the sample C to be introduced into the cavity 40. In use, the sample C, after being cut from the cutting portion, passes in succession through the opening 32a and the inlet mouth 42 and then reaches said cavity 40.

[0064] The inner tubular element 4 has an inner surface 40a extending around the rotation axis R-R and along the prevailing extension direction D-D of the inner tubular element 4 defining the cavity 40.

[0065] It should be noted that, during the coring operation, the inner surface 40a gradually comes into direct contact with the sample C at the filling of the cavity 40.

[0066] With reference to Figures 7a and 7b, the coring tool 1 also comprises a retaining group 5 operatively associated with the inlet mouth 42.

[0067] This retaining group 5 is configured to switch between an open configuration (Figure 7a), in which it leaves the inlet mouth 42 free to allow the introduction of the sample C into the cavity 40, and a closed configuration (Figure 7b), in which it obstructs the inlet mouth 42 so as to retain the sample C in the cavity 40.

[0068] During the coring operation, the retaining group 5 is maintained in the open configuration during the gradual filling of the cavity 40 and then switched to the closed configuration when the sample C has reached a predetermined length (can vary on a case by case basis, depending on the analysis to be carried out).

[0069] According to one aspect shown in Figures 4 and 5, the retaining members 5 are mounted on the inner tubular element 4 at the inlet mouth 42.

[0070] In the embodiment shown in Figures 7a 7b, the retaining members 5 comprise a plurality of retaining elements 50 mounted on the inner tubular element 4 at the inlet mouth 42 around the rotation axis R-R.

[0071] Still with reference to Figures 7a and 7b, it should be noted that the retaining elements 50 are orientable with respect to the prevailing extension direction D-D of the inner tubular element 4 to switch the retaining members 5 between the open and closed configuration. That is, the retaining elements 50 are configured to modify their orientation to obstruct the inlet mouth 42 or leave it free. More details regarding the retaining elements 50 and their actuation are provided in a following part of the disclosure.

[0072] In the embodiment of Figures 8a and 8b, the retaining members 5 comprise an elastically deformable sleeve interposed between the inlet mouth 42 and the cutting portion 32, having notches defining a plurality of retaining elements 50. This sleeve is fixed by parts opposite to the cutting portion 32 and the inlet mouth 42, so that a relative rotational-translational motion between the outer and inner tubular element 3, 4 causes the switching of the retaining elements 50 between the closed configuration (Figure 8a) and the open configuration (Figure 8b).

[0073] Advantageously, the embodiment of the retaining members 5 shown in Figures 8a and 8b enables better adaptation to morphologically more irregular samples C.

[0074] The coring device 1 further comprises switching members 6 configured to switch the retaining group 5 between the aforesaid open and closed configuration.

[0075] According to one aspect, the switching members 6 are configured to move the outer tubular element 3 and the inner tubular element 4 reciprocally along a switching direction X-X and, in response to such reciprocal movement, the retaining group 5 is configured to switch between the closed and open configuration.

[0076] It should be noted that the movement of the outer tubular element 3 with respect to the inner tubular element 4 along a switching direction X-X moves the inlet mouth 42 from and towards the cutting portion 32, in particular the opening 32a associated with the latter.

[0077] Preferably, the switching direction X-X is directed along the prevailing extension direction D-D of the outer tubular element 3 and / or the inner tubular element 4.

[0078] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the switching direction X-X is coincident with the rotation axis R-R.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the switching members 6 are configured to move the outer tubular element 3 with respect to the inner tubular element 4 along the switching direction X-X upon rotation of the tang 2 around the rotation axis R-R in a first rotation direction V2, and keep the reciprocal position fixed between the outer tubular element 3 with respect to the inner tubular element 4 along the switching direction X-X upon rotation of the tang 2 around the rotation axis R-R in a second rotation direction V2 opposite to the first rotation direction VI.

[0080] Advantageously this enables the coring to be carried out by placing the tang 2 - and thus the outer tubular element 3 - in rotation around the rotation axis R-R in the first rotation direction VI and, after the sample C within the cavity 40 has reached the predetermined length, reversing the rotation direction V2 to switch the retaining group 5 into the closed configuration and retain the sample C in the cavity 40.

[0081] According to an aspect shown in Figure 4, the switching members 6 comprise a switching element 64 mounted on the outer tubular element 3 at the cutting portion 32 and configured to act on the retaining elements 50 to modify the orientation thereof as a function of the mutual position of the inlet mouth 42 and the cutting portion 32.

[0082] It should therefore be noted that the switching element 6, acting on the retaining elements 50, switches the retaining members 5 between the closed and open configuration for reciprocal movement of the inlet mouth 42 with respect to the cutting portion 32, preferably along the switching direction X-X.

[0083] In particular, the switching element 6 is configured to switch the retaining members 5 from the open to the closed configuration when the inlet mouth 42 is moved towards the cutting portion 32, and from the closed to the open configuration when the inlet mouth 42 is moved away from the cutting portion 32.

[0084] Preferably, the switching element 64 has a guide wall 64a functionally associated with the retaining elements 50 and configured to vary the orientation thereof upon movement of the inlet mouth 42 to and from the cutting portion 32.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the guide wall 64a is inclined with respect to the prevailing extension direction D-D of the outer tubular element 3 on which the switching element 64 is mounted.

[0086] In the embodiment shown in Figures 7a and 7b, the guide wall 64a has a tapered, in particular conical, shape.

[0087] The retaining elements 50 can, for example, be realized in elastically deformable material so that the interaction with the guide wall 64a can modify its shape and, therefore, the prevailing orientation. Among the elastically deformable materials that can be used to make the retaining elements 50 are plastic materials such as, for example, polyamide, ABS, PLA that can be made both through classic injection molding techniques and through additive manufacturing.

[0088] The coring tool 1 also comprises a locking element 7 configured to lock the angular position of the inner tubular element 4 around the rotation axis R-R, in particular when the outer tubular element 3 rotates (with the tang 2) around the rotation axis R-R.

[0089] In detail, with reference to Figure 3, the locking element 7 has a first portion 71 fixed to the inner tubular element 4 and a second portion 72 rotatably housed in the tang 2 around the rotation axis R-R.

[0090] It should be specified that "rotatably housed " means that the tang 2 is free to rotate with respect to the second portion 72 around the rotation axis R-R, that is to say that the second portion 72 is mounted idle on the tang 2 around the rotation axis R-R.

[0091] The rotation of the tang 2 - and consequently that of the outer tubular element 3 - around the rotation axis R-R does not impose a rotation on the locking element 7 around the same axis. The tang 2 and the locking element 7 are then kinematically decoupled in rotation around the rotation axis R-R.

[0092] The locking element 7 is preferably connected to a connection portion 41 of the inner tubular element 4.

[0093] In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the connection portion 41 is opposite to the inlet mouth 42 along the prevailing extension direction D-D of the inner tubular element 4. Therefore, the latter extends along its prevailing extension direction D-D between the inlet mouth 42 and the connection portion 41.

[0094] According to one aspect, the tang 2 has a seat 20 adapted to house the locking element 7 at least in part, in particular the second portion 72, rotatably around the rotation axis R-R.

[0095] Preferably, the seat 20 extends through the tang 2 along the rotation axis R-R between a first opening 21 arranged internally to the outer tubular element 3, and a second opening 22 facing outwards.

[0096] The second portion 72 is configured to be locked in rotation around the rotation axis R-R - for example, by special locking members 103 of a vehicle 100 for sampling operations - so as to lock the angular position of the locking element 7 and consequently that of the inner tubular element 4 to which the latter is fixed by means of the first portion 71.

[0097] Therefore, during the coring operation, the locking of the second portion 72 makes it possible to rotate the tang 2 together with the outer tubular element 3 and at the same time keep the angular position of the inner tubular element 4 fixed.

[0098] In this way, advantageously, the sample C that gradually forms in the cavity 40 of the inner tubular element 4 during coring does not come into contact with rotating elements and preserves its integrity.

[0099] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-3, the second portion 72 has a free end 73 arranged externally to the tang 2.

[0100] Preferably, the second portion 72 has an astiform shape extending between the first portion 71 and the free end 73.

[0101] Even more preferably, the free end 73 passes through the second opening 22 of the seat 20, thereby protruding from the tang 2 along the direction in which the rotation axis R-R extends.

[0102] In the embodiment shown in Figure 10a and 10b, the free end 73 has a groove 73a configured to engage with appropriate locking members 103, for example of a vehicle 100 for sampling operations in accordance with what is described in a following part of the present disclosure.

[0103] Preferably, the groove 73a has a pair of opposing abutment walls, extending along the direction in which the rotation axis R-R extends, adapted to receive the locking members 103 therebetween.

[0104] According to one aspect, the locking element 7 is movable along the switching direction X-X with respect to the tang 2 so as to be able to move the outer and inner tubular element 3, 4 with respect to each other along the same switching direction X- X.

[0105] In a possible embodiment, to control the mutual position of the tubular elements 3, 4 along the switching direction X-X, the second portion 72 of the locking element has a threaded section 72a and the switching members 6 comprise a nut screw 60 rotatably coupled with the threaded section 72a of the second portion 72 and fixed to the tang 2 along the switching direction X-X.

[0106] The relative rotation between the threaded section 72a and the nut screw 60 imposes a translation on the second portion 72 which results in a relative movement of the tubular elements 3, 4 along the switching direction X-X. In this regard it should be noted that the locking element 7, to which the second portion 72 belongs, is fixed to the inner tubular element 4 by means of the first portion 71 and that the nut screw 60 is integral along the switching direction X-X to the outer tubular element 3 through the tang 2 (mounting portion 31 fixed to the tang).

[0107] Preferably, the nut screw 60 is housed in the seat 20 and retained therein along the switching direction X-X by means of appropriate locking elements 60a, e.g. seeger (Figure 3).

[0108] According to one aspect, the switching members 6 comprise transmission members 61, 62 configured to transmit the rotation of the tang 2 to the nut screw 60 upon rotation of the tang 2 around the rotation axis R-R in a single rotation direction.

[0109] In other words, with reference to Figure 2, the transmission members 61, 62 are configured to transmit the rotation of the tang to the nut screw 60 upon rotation of the tang 2 in only one of the first and second direction VI, V2.

[0110] During the coring operation, the tang 2 is rotated in the direction in which the transmission members 61, 62 do not transmit the rotary motion to the nut screw 60 and the retaining group 5 is in the open configuration to allow the gradual insertion of the sample C into the cavity 40. When the sample C in the cavity 40 has reached the predetermined length, the tang 2 is rotated in the opposite direction so as to rotate the nut screw 60 and, consequently, cause the relative movement of the tubular elements 3, 4 along the switching direction X-X and, therefore, switch the retaining group 5 from the open to the closed configuration. Thereby, the sample C taken will be trapped in the cavity 40.

[0111] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the transmission members 61, 62 are interposed between the tang 2 and the nut screw 60 and comprise a first transmission element 61 and a second transmission element 62 respectively mounted on the tang 2 and on the nut screw 60 so as to be integral with them in rotation around the rotation axis R-R (in both directions VI, V2).

[0112] The second transmission element 62 is engaged with the first transmission element 61 so as to be integral in rotation with the latter around the rotation axis R-R in only one rotation direction VI, V2 - i.e. in the first direction VI or in the second V2 - and decoupled in the opposite direction. In one of the two directions VI, V2 of rotation around the rotation axis R-R, the first and second transmission elements 62 are then reciprocally locked to transmit the rotary motion of the tang 2 to the nut screw 40 while, in the opposite direction, they are decoupled so as to allow relative rotation between the tang 2 and the nut screw 40.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the first and second transmission element 61, 62 have respectively a first and a second toothed surface 61a, 62a, reciprocally being mutually meshed and configured to transmit the rotary motion of the first transmission element 61 around the rotation axis to the second transmission element 62 in only one direction of rotation.

[0114] It should be specified that the skilled person is able to independently select the profiles of the teeth of the first and second toothed surfaces 61a, 62a capable of transmitting the rotary motion in only one direction VI, V2 of rotation. An example of tooth profiles of the first and second toothed surfaces 61a, 62a are shown in Figure 6b.

[0115] Referring to Figure 3, preferably, the first transmission element 61 is slidably mounted on the locking element 7 along the switching direction X-X. The first transmission element 61 moving along the switching direction X-X engages with and disengages from the second locking element 62.

[0116] In the embodiment of Figure 3, the transmission members also comprise pre- loading elements 63 configured to keep the first and second transmission elements 61, 62 engaged.

[0117] Preferably, the pre-loading elements 63 are configured to exert a thrust on the first transmission element 61 along the switching direction X-X.

[0118] For example, the pre-loading elements comprise elastic elements interposed, along the switching direction X-X, between the first transmission element 61 and an abutment wall 20a of the seat of the tang 2.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the transmission members 61, 62 comprise a ratchet mechanism kinematically interposed between the tang 2 and the nut screw 60.

[0120] Preferably, the ratchet mechanism is made up of the first and second transmission elements 61, 62 and the pre-loading elements.

[0121] Another object of the present invention is a vehicle 100, preferably remotely controlled, for seabed sampling operations.

[0122] Preferably, the vehicle 100 that is the object of the present invention is a small underwater ROV.

[0123] It should be specified that RO Vs considered small in size, unlike other underwater devices, have moderate dimensions and weights so that they can be deployed with small boats, to the benefit of the costs of managing operations. For example, such ROVs typically have dimensions of less than 750x600x550 mm and weights of less than 60 kg.

[0124] With reference to Figure 9, the vehicle 100 comprises the above-described coring tool 1 and a gripping group 101 configured to grip the tang 2 thereof.

[0125] The vehicle 100 also comprises motorisation means 102 adapted to rotate the tang 2 of the coring tool 1 around the rotation axis R-R in both the first and second directions VI, V2.

[0126] Preferably, the vehicle 100 comprises a control unit 104, placed in signal communication with the motorisation means 102, configured to rotate the tang 2 around the rotation axis R-R in the first direction VI of rotation VI during the coring operation and, after the sample C has reached the predetermined length, in the opposite second direction V2 to switch the retaining group 5 into the closed configuration.

[0127] The vehicle 100 also comprises locking members 103 configured to act on the locking element 7 to lock the angular position of the inner tubular element 4 upon rotation of the outer tubular element 5 around the rotation axis R-R.

[0128] In the embodiment shown in Figures 10a and 10b, the locking members 103 comprise a pin 103a configured to engage, at least partially, in the groove 73a obtained in the free end 73 of the locking element 7 so as to inhibit its rotation around the rotation axis R-R.

[0129] In the above-described embodiment in which the switching of the retaining group 5 takes place by relative movement of the tubular elements 3, 4 along the switching direction X-X, the locking element 7 also moves along the switching direction so as to automatically disengage from the locking members when the retaining group 5 has reached the closed configuration (Fig. 10b).

[0130] It is clear that a person skilled in the art will be able to make numerous equivalent modifications to the variants set forth above, without thereby departing from the scope of protection as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Coring tool (1) for taking a sample (C), comprising:- a tang (2) configured to be rotated around a rotation axis (R-R);- an outer tubular element (3) having a mounting portion (31) mounted on the tang (2) and a cutting portion (32) opposite to the mounting portion (31), the outer tubular element (3) being integral in rotation with the tang (2) around the rotation axis (R-R),- an inner tubular element (4) coaxially housed in the outer tubular element (3) between the mounting portion (31) and the cutting portion (32), the inner tubular element (4) having:- a cavity (40) adapted to receive the sample (C), and- an inlet mouth (42), arranged at the cutting portion (32), configured to allow the introduction of the sample (C) into the cavity (40),- retaining group (5) configured to switch between an open configuration, in which the retaining group (5) leaves the inlet mouth (42) free to allow the introduction of the sample (C) into the cavity (40) of the inner tubular element (4), and a closed configuration, in which the retaining group (5) obstructs the inlet mouth (42) so as to retain the sample (C) in the cavity (40) of the inner tubular element (4),- switching members (6) configured to switch the retaining group (5) between the open configuration and the closed configuration, characterized in that it comprises a locking element (7) having a first portion (71) fixed to the inner tubular element (4) and a second portion (72) rotatably housed in the tang (2) around the rotation axis (R-R), the second portion (72) being lockable in rotation around the rotation axis (R-R) in order to lock the angular position of the inner tubular element (4) upon rotation of the outer tubular element (5) around the rotation axis (R-R).

2. Coring tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second portion (72) has a free end (73) arranged outside the tang (2).

3. Coring tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein:- the switching members (6) are configured to reciprocally move the outer tubular element (3) and the inner tubular element (4) along a switching direction (X-X),- the retaining group (5) is configured to switch between the closed and open configuration upon mutual movement of the outer tubular element (6) with respect to the inner tubular element (4) along the switching direction (X-X).

4. Coring tool (1) according to claim 3, wherein:- the second portion (72) of the locking element (7) comprises a threaded section (72a),- the switching members (6) comprise a nut screw (60) rotatably coupled with the threaded section (72a) of the second portion (72) and fixed to the tang (2) along the switching direction (X-X).

5. Coring tool (1) according to claim 4, wherein the switching members (6) comprise transmission members (61, 62) configured to transmit the rotation of the tang (2) to the nut screw (60) upon rotation of the tang (2) around the rotation axis (R-R) in only one rotation direction.

6. Coring tool (1) according to claim 5, wherein the transmission members (61, 62) are at least partly interposed between the tang (2) and the nut screw (60) and comprise:- a first transmission element (61) integral in rotation with the tang (2) around the rotation axis (R-R),- a second transmission element (62) integral in rotation around the rotation axis (R-R) with the nut screw (60), the second transmission element (62) being engaged with the first transmission element (61) so as to be integral in rotation around the rotation axis (R-R) with the first transmission element (61) in only one rotation direction.

7. Coring tool (1) according to claim 6, wherein the first transmission element (61) is slidably mounted on the locking element (7) along the switching direction (X-X).

8. Coring tool (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein:- the first transmission element (61) has a first toothed surface (61a),- the second transmission element (62) comprises a second toothed surface (62a),- the first and second toothed surface (61a, 62a) being mutually meshed and configured to transmit the rotary motion of the first transmission element (61) around the rotation axis to the second transmission element (62) in only one rotation direction.

9. Coring tool (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the transmission members comprise pre-loading elements (63) configured to keep the first transmission element (61) engaged with the second transmission element (62).

10. Coring tool (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the transmission members (61, 62) comprise a ratchet mechanism kinematically interposed between the tang (2) and the nut screw (60).

11. Coring tool (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the switching members (6) are configured to:- move the outer tubular element (3) with respect to the inner tubular element (4) along the switching direction (X-X) upon rotation of the tang (2) around the rotation axis (R-R) in a first rotation direction (VI),- keep the mutual position between the outer tubular element (3) and the inner tubular element (4) fixed along the switching direction (X-X) upon rotation of the tang (2) around the rotation axis (R-R) in a second rotation direction (V2) opposite to the first rotation direction (VI).

12. Coring tool (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein the switching direction (X-X) is coincident with the rotation axis (R-R).

13. Coring tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- the retaining members (5) comprise a plurality of retaining elements (50) mounted on the inner tubular element (4) at the inlet mouth (42), said retaining elements (50) being orientable,- the switching members (6) comprising a switching element (64) mounted on the outer tubular element (3) at the cutting portion (32), said switching element (64) being configured to act on the retaining elements (50) to modify the orientation thereof and switch the retaining members (5) between the open configuration and the closed configuration depending on the mutual position of the inlet mouth (42) and the cutting portion (32).

14. Coring tool (1) according to claim 13, wherein the switching element (64) has a guide wall (64a) functionally associated with the retaining elements and configured to vary the orientation thereof upon movement of the inlet mouth (42) from and toward the cutting portion (32).

15. Vehicle (100) for sampling operations, comprising:- a coring tool (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,- a gripping group (101) configured to grip the tang (2) of the coring tool (1),- motorisation means (102) configured to rotate the tang (2) of the coring tool (1) around the rotation axis (R-R), - locking members (103) configured to act on the locking element (7) to lock the angular position of the inner tubular element (4) upon rotation of the outer tubular element (3) around the rotation axis (R-R).

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