Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses an arrangement with an aerial vehicle connected by a wire to an agricultural vehicle. The wire can be used to supply the aerial vehicle with electrical energy or to exchange data between the aerial vehicle and the agricultural vehicle. The aerial vehicle has rotors to fly. The rotational speed of the rotors can be adjusted to a pulling force in the wire. The more distant the aerial vehicle is flying away from the agricultural vehicle the longer is the free length of the wire between the aerial vehicle and the agricultural vehicle. Analogously, the pulling force in the wire rises with the free length of the wire. Since the pulling force acts on the aerial vehicle the pulling force may cause a side drift of the aerial vehicle which must be compensated by actively driving the propulsion system of the aerial vehicle to keep position.

It is an objective to provide means for a system with a vehicle connected to a bendable connection element such as a wire being configured to mitigate the pulling force in a bendable connection element to reduce the energy consumption caused by the pulling force.

According to the invention there is provided a supply system for at least one floating unit, according to appended claim <NUM>.

The present disclosure relates generally to a floating unit for lifting a bendable connection element such as a wire and a supply system for storing and supplying the floating unit.

<CIT> refers to an autonomous aircraft which may be used for aerial surveillance. The aircraft may be removably coupled to a ground-based power supply by a suitable interface and a tether to provide power to the aircraft. The interface may provide a fluid connection between a fluid passage tube and an inflatable bladder and an electrical connection between electrical conductors and a power converter.

<CIT> discloses an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having an elevate surface sensor system. The unmanned aerial vehicle may perform at least one task to an object during flight in a movement mode configured for maneuvering near a surface of the object. An adjustable sensor arm attachable to the UAV may support the task sensor to facilitate the task performed to the surface of the object by the UAV.

<CIT> relates to a drone system that uses a plurality of drones to transport liquid (e.g., water, firefighting fluid, or liquid fuel), or gas (e.g., fuel gas, such as propane gas, and hydrogen gas) from a remote area to a demand area. The system may comprise a transport pipe for flowing the liquid or the gas, a top drone with a nozzle coupled to transport pipe and a plurality of pump drones which are located in the middle of the transport pipe for increasing a pressure of the liquid or the gas flowing through the transport pipe.

<CIT> relates to a tethered unmanned aerial vehicle firefighting system. The system includes a firefighting drone having a nozzle, a fire retardant supply and a fire retardant hose coupled with a pump for supplying fire retardant to the nozzle carried by the firefighting drone under pressure.

According to the invention there is provided a supply system for at least one floating unit comprising:.

The first interface may be used to provide the floating unit with energy or any working fluid for driving or operating the floating unit.

The floating unit may include a conduit. The first interface may include a first fluidic interface. The conduit may be connected with the first fluidic interface and the envelope for supplying the gas volume with a fluid.

The fluid may be a medium having a density smaller than the medium the floating unit is floating as. Thus, the gas volume of the floating unit generates a lifting effect that lets the floating unit floating up in a medium such as air or water. Since the at least one floating unit is attachable to the bendable connection element the lifting effect can be adapted to the pulling force in the bendable connection element. The lifting effect can be raised if a floating unit is (additionally) attached to the bendable connection element or if the gas volume is increased. The lifting effect may be reduced if a floating unit is detached from the bendable connection element or if the gas volume is decreased. The gas volume may be changed by introducing or releasing of fluid in the envelope through the conduit and the first fluidic interface. Additionally, the number of floating units attached to the bendable connection element may be adapted to the pulling force of the bendable connection element.

The bendable connection element may be a wire for supplying a vehicle connected with the bendable connection element, as for example the floating unit or an additional vehicle such as a drone, with electrical energy and/or for exchanging data with the vehicle. The data may comprise control instructions to control the vehicle or sensor data generated by the vehicle. The at least one floating unit may float in the air to carry the bendable connection element in the air or may float on a surface of water to carry the bendable connection element in the water. Thus, the at least one floating unit has a lifting effect contrary to the weight force of the bendable connection element resulting in at least a partly compensation of the weight force and consequently in a mitigation of the pulling force in the bendable connection element.

The first fluidic interface may include a check valve having a seat and a closing member being moveable towards the seat for sealing the seat.

The check valve may block a reverse flow of the fluid in the envelope out of the fluidic interface. The pressure within the envelope may press the closing member against the seat so that no fluid may flow out of the fluidic interface. The closing member may be of different types such as a ball for example so that the check valve may be designed as a ball check valve.

The check valve may include a valve spring for biasing the closing member towards the seat.

Hence, the spring force of the valve spring may press the closing member against the seat in addition to the pressure of the fluid in the envelope. The spring force may be adjusted to a minimum force to be overcome before fluid may be introduced into the envelope.

The first interface may include a first electrical interface. The clamping unit may include an actuator connected with first electrical interface for supplying the actuator with electrical energy.

The actuator may be configured to switch the clamping unit into the released state when the actuator is energized with electrical energy and to switch the clamping unit into the fixed state when the actuator is deenergized.

The actuator may be a combination of a solenoid and a mechanical spring. In the fixed state, the spring may press against the bendable connection element and thus cause a friction force for clamping the clamping unit to the bendable connection element. In the released state, the solenoid may be energized and may retract the mechanical spring back from the bendable connection element. Thus, the clamping unit can switch automatically into the fixed state in case of a loss of electric energy due to the spring force. The clamping unit may comprise for example a battery to provide the electrical energy needed for the clamping unit. The actuator may be of any other type, for example an electrical motor.

The first electrical interface may be connectable with an energy source supplying the electrical energy. The first electrical interface may be an inductive interface for a contactless transfer of electrical energy. Alternatively, the first electrical interface may comprise a connector, a plug or pins for a mechanical connection with an energy source or another electrical interface. The first electrical interface may be connected with the actuator to control or supply the actuator with electrical energy.

The supply system for the floating unit includes at least one floating unit as described above, a bendable connection element and a platform. The platform includes at least one connection point for the at least one floating unit. The connection point includes at least one additional interface for connecting the first interface of the at least one floating unit when the clamping unit of the at least one floating unit is aligned with the at least one connection point. The bendable connection element is threaded through the clamping unit of the at least one floating unit.

The at least one floating unit is designed as described before. A connection point defines a fixed position where a floating unit can be stored. The platform may include for each floating unit a separate connection point. When a floating unit is located at a connection point the first interface of the floating unit and the additional interface of the connection point may be connected so that energy or any working fluid for driving or operating the floating unit can be transferred from one interface to the other interface. For example, a fluid can be transferred from one interface to the other interface for adjusting the gas volume of the envelope. The gas volume may be increased or decreased.

The bendable connection element is threaded through the clamping unit in such a way that the floating unit including the clamping unit may be removed from the bendable connection element, for example to replace a damaged floating unit by another. The floating unit may also be moveable along the bendable connection element when the clamping unit is in the released state without dropping down from the bendable connection element.

The additional interface may comprise an additional fluidic interface that may include a bore and a sealing wherein the sealing may be moveable along the bore between a retracted position and a sealing position.

When the sealing is in the retracted position the floating unit may be stored at a connection point without damaging the sealing. After the floating unit was stored at the connection point the sealing may be moved into the sealing position to prevent a leakage between the first fluidic interface and the additional fluidic interface, for example in case of a little gap between the first fluidic interface and the additional fluidic interface. The bore may be connected to a reservoir, for example a gas tank, containing fluid and may be used to transfer fluid between the additional fluidic interface and the reservoir.

The sealing may be moved in the sealing position when the bore is pressurized with a fluid.

Fluid may be transferred under pressure from the bore to the envelope of the floating unit via the additional fluidic interface and the first fluidic interface for adjusting the gas volume of the envelope. The pressure of the fluid may exert a force on the sealing to move the sealing into the sealing position. , there is no need for an additional actuator for moving the sealing.

The at least one floating unit may be placed at the at least one connection point and the sealing moved in the sealing position may be protruding into the first fluidic interface of the floating unit.

Thus, the sealing may prevent a leakage between the first fluidic interface and the additional fluidic interface, for example in case of a greater gap between the first fluidic interface and the additional fluidic interface.

The additional interface may include at least one additional electrical interface for connecting the first electrical interface of the at least one floating unit.

The additional electrical interface may be connectable with an energy source so that electrical energy may be supplied to the first electrical interface via the additional electrical interface. The additional electrical interface may be designed as a complementary interface in respect of the first electrical interface. In case of an inductive interface, electrical energy may be transferred contactless from the additional electrical interface to the first electrical interface. One of the both electrical interfaces may comprise a magnetic coil for transferring the electrical energy. The magnetic coil may also be used to generate a magnetic force so that one of the both electrical interfaces attracts the other one. Alternatively, the additional electrical interface may comprise a connector, a plug or pins for a mechanical connection with the first electrical interface. Optionally, the first and the additional electrical interface may be used to transfer data or signals.

The at least one additional electrical interface may be energized with electrical energy when the first electrical interface of the at least one floating unit is connected with the at least one additional electrical interface.

The first electrical interface of the at least one floating unit may be connected with the at least one additional electrical interface when the at least one floating unit is positioned at a connection point. If so, the magnetic force may attract the floating unit to the platform so that the floating unit will be hold at the connection point. Electrical energy may be transferred from the additional electrical interface to the first electrical interface for controlling or supplying the actuator of the clamping unit with electrical energy. The electrical energy may be used to switch the actuator into the released state and/or to hold the actuator in the released state so that the bendable connection element can be moved freely through the clamping unit while the floating unit is standing still at the connection point.

The supply system may include a winch for winding up the bendable connection element.

The winch may be driven by a motor. When the winch winds up the bendable connection element the at least one floating unit attached to the bendable connection element is pulled towards the at least one connection point. When the at least one floating unit has reached the connection point the first electrical interface of the at least one floating unit may be connected with the at least one additional electrical interface so that the additional electrical interface of the connection point may be energized. Then, the clamping unit will be switched into the released state so that the winch may continue to wind up the bendable connection element without pulling the at least one floating unit.

The platform may include a strain relief being in contact with the bendable connection element. The strain relief may be switchable between a reliefing state and a tensioned state. The strain relief may switch into the reliefing state when the at least one floating unit is positioned at the at least one connection point and the clamping unit of the at least one floating unit is attached to the bendable connection element being wound up by the winch.

When the floating unit was pulled to a connection point by the bendable connection element there may be a slight time delay for connecting the first and the additional electrical interface and for energizing the actuator to switch the clamping unit into the released state. During this time delay, the winch continues to wind up the bendable connection element. Thus, as long as the clamping unit isn't switched into the released state the bendable connection element may tug at the clamping unit positioned statically at the connection point so that consequently the floating unit, the winch or the bendable connection element may be damaged. But the strain relief can damp the tugging of the bendable connection element to avoid a damage by switching into the reliefing state.

The supply system may also include a rail for guiding the clamping unit of the at least one floating unit towards the at least one connection point.

The rail may have a surface the clamping unit can slide along. The rail may press the clamping unit towards the platform to bring the first electrical interface and the additional electrical interface into contact while the bendable connection element pulls the at least one floating unit to a connection point. The rail may define a track the clamping unit is guided along for centering the clamping unit over the connection point. The track of the rail may guide the clamping unit in alignment with the at least one connection point.

The supply system may also include a guidance for guiding the bendable connection element in alignment with the at least one connection point.

Thus, the bendable connection element may be stabilized against fluttering by the guidance and may pull the floating unit towards the connection point. If both, the bendable connection element and the track of the rail are in alignment with the the at least one connection point the friction between the rail and clamping unit may be reduced when the clamping unit slides along the rail.

The supply system may include more than one connection point. The distance between two connection points may be adapted for a gapless positioning of the clamping units at the connection points next to each other.

In such a configuration, the floating units can be stored very compact since a clamping unit of one floating unit positioned at a connection point may be adjacent to a clamping unit of another floating unit positioned at a connection point.

The supply system may also include a base body wherein the platform is rotatably connected to the base body.

The base body may be a solid element and may be mounted on a static station or on a mobile vehicle such as an agricultural vehicle (e. a tractor or harvester). The platform may rotate about a vertical axis connected with the base body. Thus, the orientation of the platform may be aligned to any object as for example a section of the bendable connection element beyond the supply system that may float in any direction.

Where features are described with reference to a single aspect or embodiment, it should be understood that such features are applicable to all aspects and embodiments unless otherwise stated or where such features are incompatible.

Several aspects of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

<FIG> show a supply system <NUM>. The supply system <NUM> comprises a platform <NUM>, a vehicle <NUM>, a bendable connection element <NUM> having one end connected with the vehicle <NUM> and another end connected with the platform <NUM> and at least one floating unit <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> for lifting the bendable connection element <NUM>, a winch <NUM> for for winding or unwinding of the bendable connection element <NUM> and a control unit <NUM>. Vehicle <NUM> may be a drone. The platform <NUM> of the supply system <NUM> is mounted on a base body <NUM> designed as a roof of an agricultural vehicle <NUM>. The base body <NUM> comprises a vertical axis about which the platform <NUM> is rotatably connected to the base body <NUM> (see <FIG>). The agricultural vehicle <NUM> may be of any type as for example a tractor or a harvester. The vehicle <NUM> is placed on the roof of the agricultural vehicle <NUM>. The agricultural vehicle <NUM> comprises a sensor <NUM> for determining a height <NUM> of an obstacle <NUM> in front of the agricultural vehicle <NUM>. The obstacle <NUM> may be crop to be harvested by the agricultural vehicle <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> is integrated in the agricultural vehicle <NUM>. Alternatively, the control unit <NUM> can be integrated in the supply system <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> receives signals from the sensor <NUM> and is configured to control the components of the supply system <NUM>. Additionally, the control unit <NUM> may be configured to control also components of the agricultural vehicle <NUM> such an engine.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the floating units <NUM> to <NUM> are stored on the platform <NUM>, the bendable connection element <NUM> is wound up by the winch <NUM> and vehicle <NUM> is placed on the roof of the agricultural vehicle <NUM>. Each floating unit <NUM> to <NUM> may be filled with a fluid, such as helium, to generate a buoyant force so that the floating units <NUM> to <NUM> may float and carry the bendable connection element <NUM> in the air. In contrast, <FIG> shows the vehicle <NUM> flying in front of the agricultural vehicle <NUM>. The vehicle <NUM> connected with the bendable connection element <NUM> has unwound the bendable connection element <NUM> partly from the winch <NUM>. Three floating units <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> attached to the bendable connection element <NUM> were pulled out of the platform <NUM> together with the bendable connection element <NUM> and float in the air for lifting the bendable connection element <NUM> over the height <NUM> of the obstacle <NUM>. The other floating unit <NUM> and <NUM> are still stored on the platform <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the control unit <NUM> comprising an interface <NUM>, a controller <NUM> and a memory <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may receive and send signals or data via the interface <NUM>. The interface <NUM> may be a wireless interface or a connector. The controller <NUM> may store the data or signals received by the control unit <NUM> in the memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may contain additional data or executable programs, for example in terms of a computerimplemented method, that may be retrieved, processed or carried out by the controller <NUM>. Data or signals resulting from the processing of data or signals or from the execution of a program may be stored to the memory <NUM> or sent to the interface <NUM> by the controller <NUM>.

<FIG> shows any one of the at least one floating units <NUM> to <NUM>. The floating unit comprises a clamping unit <NUM> switchable between a fixed state for attaching the floating unit to the bendable connection element <NUM> and a released state for detaching the floating unit from the bendable connection element <NUM>. The floating unit also comprises an envelope <NUM> for enclosing a gas volume <NUM>. As mentioned above, the envelope <NUM> may be filled with a fluid, such as helium, to generate a buoyant force so that the floating unit may float in the air. A rope <NUM> connects the envelope <NUM> with the clamping unit <NUM>. The rope <NUM> is guided in a protective sleeve <NUM> to avoid a damage of the rope <NUM>.

The clamping unit <NUM> comprises an actuator <NUM> configured to switch into the released state when the actuator <NUM> is energized with electrical energy and to switch into the fixed state when the actuator <NUM> is deenergized. The actuator <NUM> is connected with a first electrical interface <NUM> via a power line <NUM> and may be energized by an external power supply connected to the first electrical interface <NUM>. Optionally, the actuator <NUM> may be connected to the bendable connection element <NUM> via a power line <NUM> and may be energized by a power supply connected with the bendable connection element <NUM>. Alternatively, the first electrical interface <NUM> may receive energy by inductive loading via the current / voltage passing through the bendable connection element <NUM>. In addition, the actuator <NUM> is connected to an internal battery <NUM> integrated in the clamping unit <NUM> and connected to the power line <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may energize the actuator <NUM> if needed.

The actuator <NUM> comprises a piston <NUM> axially movable housed in the clamping unit <NUM> and a mechanical spring <NUM> forcing the piston <NUM> towards the bendable connection element <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> also comprises a solenoid <NUM>. In the released state, the solenoid <NUM> is energized to retract the piston <NUM> back from the bendable connection element <NUM>. Thus, the clamping unit <NUM> may be moved along the bendable connection element <NUM>. In the fixed state, the solenoid <NUM> is deenergized so that the mechanical spring <NUM> presses the piston <NUM> against the bendable connection element <NUM> to cause a friction force for clamping the bendable connection element <NUM> in the clamping unit <NUM>. The clamping unit <NUM> can also switch automatically into the fixed state in case of a loss of electrical energy due to the spring force.

The clamping unit <NUM> also comprises a first fluidic interface <NUM> and a conduit <NUM> connecting the first fluidic interface <NUM> and the envelope <NUM> for supplying the gas volume <NUM> with a fluid such as helium. The first fluidic interface <NUM> comprises a check valve <NUM> to avoid a loss of fluid draining out of the first fluidic interface <NUM>. The detailed working principle of the first fluidic interface <NUM> will be described later on.

As can also be seen in <FIG>, the clamping unit <NUM> comprises a tapering <NUM> at the top of the clamping unit <NUM>. The shape of the clamping unit <NUM> is rotationally symmetric.

<FIG> shows the platform <NUM> of the supply system <NUM> in more detail. The platform <NUM> comprises an one-piece elongated part <NUM>, <NUM> and several connection points <NUM> to <NUM> each for storing one of the at least one floating units <NUM> to <NUM>. For example, floating unit <NUM> is stored at connection point <NUM>, floating unit <NUM> is stored at connection point <NUM> and floating unit <NUM> is stored at connection point <NUM> while floating unit <NUM> is still floating in the air. Additional connection points may be integrated in the platform <NUM> between connection point <NUM> and connection point <NUM> for additional floating units as for example floating unit <NUM>. To indicate that additional connection points may be available the elongated part <NUM>, <NUM> is illustrated interruptedly in <FIG>.

Each connection point <NUM> to <NUM> comprises an additional electrical interface <NUM> and an additional fluidic interface <NUM> as can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG> for connecting the first electrical interface <NUM> and the first fluidic interface <NUM> of a floating unit positioned at one of the connection points. The first electrical interface <NUM> and the additional electrical interface <NUM> are designed as an inductive electrical interface so that energy may be transferred from one interface to the other even if a gap is between the two interfaces. , the first electrical interface <NUM> and the additional electrical interface <NUM> may be used as an inductive charging interface to charge the battery <NUM> of a clamping unit <NUM>. Both interfaces may also be used to transfer signals, e. to control the actuator <NUM> of the clamping unit <NUM> or to control the battery <NUM>.

For storing floating unit <NUM> at the connection point <NUM> analogously to the floating unit <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> the winch <NUM> is driven to wind up the bendable connection element <NUM>. The bendable connection element <NUM> is guided above the connection points <NUM> to <NUM> so that each floating unit <NUM> to <NUM> can be pulled to a connection point. An extension <NUM> of the platform <NUM> comprises a guidance <NUM> through which the bendable connection element <NUM> is guided to keep the bendable connection element <NUM> aligned with the connection points. The bendable connection element <NUM> moves freely through each clamping unit <NUM> of the floating units <NUM> to <NUM> already stored at the platform <NUM> since these clamping units <NUM> are in the released state. Instead, clamping unit <NUM> of the floating unit <NUM> is in the fixed state and is pulled by the bendable connection element <NUM> in direction to the connection point <NUM>.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the floating unit <NUM> approaches a rail system <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. The rail system <NUM> is also shown in <FIG> in a cross-sectional view. It comprises a left rail <NUM> and a right rail <NUM> for guiding the clamping unit <NUM> of the floating unit <NUM> towards the connection points. The rails are formed of pressed steel metal. Pillars are provided to position the rails relative to platform <NUM>. As best seen in <FIG>, the left rail <NUM> is fixed to the platform <NUM> by means of a left pillar <NUM> and the right rail <NUM> is fixed to the platform <NUM> by means of a right pillar <NUM> at a first area. Further pillars are indicated with right pillar <NUM> for connection with the right rail <NUM> while pillar <NUM> and further rails for connection of a left rail <NUM> are omitted for clarity reasons. The left and right rails <NUM> and <NUM> may be connected to the pillars by screws or by a weld joint. In addition, the left and right rails <NUM> and <NUM> are fixed to the extension <NUM> of the platform <NUM>.

Left and right rails <NUM> and <NUM> are spaced apart so that the clamping unit <NUM> of each floating unit <NUM> to <NUM> can slide therebetween. The left and the right rail <NUM> and <NUM> comprise an intermediate portion <NUM> having a first profile <NUM> and a catching portion <NUM> having a second profile <NUM>. The profiles can be seen in <FIG>. The intermediate portion <NUM> extends horizontally from the extension <NUM> to the pillars <NUM>, <NUM> positioned close to the connection point <NUM>. Thus, the intermediate portion <NUM> provides a correct positioning of the clamping units <NUM> at their connection points.

The intermediate portion <NUM> then extends into the catching portion <NUM> from the pillar <NUM> to the pillar <NUM> on the right hand side and from the pillar <NUM> to another pillar opposite to the pillar <NUM> on the left hand side. The first and second profile <NUM>, <NUM> are adapted to the shape of the clamping units <NUM>. The first profile <NUM> matches with the tapering <NUM> of the clamping units <NUM> with an offset of about <NUM> prohibiting that any clamping unit <NUM> of a floating unit may escape upwards. Along the catching portion <NUM>, the first profile <NUM> extends into a second profile <NUM>. The second profile <NUM> is of a similar shape as the first profile <NUM> having a rounded contour <NUM> and a rounded leg <NUM> with the major difference that the profile <NUM> is widened to enable the clamping unit <NUM> of the approaching floating unit <NUM> to enter the rail system <NUM> even with a slight offset. , the distance between the left and right rail <NUM> and <NUM> is greater in the area of the catching portion <NUM> than in the area of the intermediate portion <NUM> so that the second profile <NUM> matches also with the tapering <NUM> but with a much greater offset than <NUM>. The rotationally symmetric geometry of the clamping units <NUM> enables catching and/or centering of the clamping units <NUM> within the rail system <NUM> independent of any vertical rotation of the clamping units <NUM>. The rounded contour <NUM> of the left and right rail <NUM> and <NUM> opening upwards to the top enables that the protective sleeve <NUM> of the floating unit can pass. The protective sleeve <NUM> keeps the rope <NUM> distant of rail system <NUM> to avoid that the rope <NUM> is not unintentionally entangled with one of the rails <NUM> or <NUM>.

Instead of a fixed connection between the catching portion <NUM> and the intermediate portion <NUM>, the catching portion <NUM> may be rotatable in a horizontal transvers direction to enable the adaption to different operating height. Thereby it can be prohibited that the catching portion <NUM> is catching an envelope <NUM> instead of a clamping unit <NUM> of a floating unit.

While the winch <NUM> winds up the bendable connection element <NUM> the floating unit <NUM> is pulled in a horizontal and vertical direction towards the connection point <NUM> and the clamping unit <NUM> of the floating unit <NUM> will be caught by the catching portion <NUM> of the rail system <NUM>. Then, the clamping unit <NUM> will be guided by the rails <NUM> and <NUM> and will slide between the left rail <NUM> and the right rail <NUM> of the rail system <NUM>. The bendable connection element <NUM> pulls the floating unit <NUM> until the floating unit <NUM> reaches the next free connection point, here connection point <NUM>. The shape of the rail system <NUM> guides the clamping unit <NUM> of the floating unit <NUM> downwards so that the clamping unit <NUM> of the floating unit <NUM> will be aligned with the connection point <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. Thus, the first interface of the clamping unit <NUM> will be correctly positioned relatively to the additional interface of the connection point <NUM>. With both the first and the additional interfaces aligned with each other, the connection of the electrical and fluidic interfaces can be provided as explained below so that the first fluidic interface <NUM> of the floating unit <NUM> will be connected to the additional fluidic interface <NUM> of the connection point <NUM> and that the first electrical interface <NUM> of the floating unit <NUM> will be connected to the additional electric interface <NUM> of the connection point <NUM>.

When the floating unit <NUM> is located at the connection point <NUM> similar to the other floating units <NUM> to <NUM> located at their corresponding connection points <NUM> to <NUM> the first electrical interface <NUM> of the floating unit <NUM> will be energized by the additional electrical interface <NUM> of the connection point <NUM>. The electrical energy will then be transferred from the first electrical interface <NUM> to the actuator <NUM> of the clamping unit <NUM> of the floating unit <NUM> to switch the clamping unit <NUM> from the fixed state to the released state so that the bendable connection element <NUM> can also freely pass through the clamping unit <NUM> of the floating unit <NUM> analogously to the other floating unit <NUM> to <NUM> stored at the platform <NUM>.

When the floating unit <NUM> is located at the connection point <NUM> the clamping unit <NUM> of the floating unit <NUM> leans against the adjacent clamping unit <NUM> of the floating unit <NUM> and is not able to move further with the bendable connection element <NUM> winded up by the winch <NUM>. But there may be a slight time delay between the positioning of the clamping unit <NUM> of the floating unit <NUM> at the connection point <NUM> and the switch of clamping unit <NUM> into released state. , the clamping unit <NUM> of the floating unit <NUM> being still in the fixed state blocks the movement of the bendable connection element <NUM> during the time delay so that the bendable connection element <NUM> is tightened and changes its routing as indicated by the dotted bendable connection element <NUM>. Thus, the bendable connection element <NUM> presses against a strain relief <NUM> arranged between the extension <NUM> and the winch <NUM> as can be seen in <FIG>. The strain relief <NUM> comprising a slider <NUM> mounted horizontally moveable in the extension <NUM> and a roller biased by a spring <NUM> against the bendable connection element <NUM> is switchable between a tensioned state and a reliefing state. In the tensioned state the spring <NUM> presses the bendable connection element <NUM> with the roller towards the winch <NUM>. In the reliefing state the strain relief <NUM> is retracted by the bendable connection element <NUM> so that the roller changes its position to a roller position <NUM>. The retraction of the strain relief <NUM> enables that a short part of the bendable connection element <NUM> can still be wound up by the winch <NUM> until the clamping unit <NUM> of the floating unit <NUM> has switched into the released state. After the clamping unit <NUM> releases the bendable connection element <NUM> the spring <NUM> presses the strain relief <NUM> to the position of the tensioned state again. So, the winch <NUM> wouldn't be interrupted winding up of the bendable connection element <NUM> even when a floating unit is positioned at a connection point and thereby blocks the movement of the bendable connection element <NUM> for a short moment. In addition, a damage caused by the blocked bendable connection element <NUM> can be prevented.

The floating unit <NUM> can be fluidically connected to the connection point <NUM> analogously to the other floating units <NUM> to <NUM> already stored at the platform <NUM> when the floating unit <NUM> is stored at the platform <NUM>. The process of fluidically connecting a floating unit to the platform <NUM> is for all floating units <NUM> to <NUM> the same and will be explained now by way of example of <FIG> and <FIG>.

The floating unit shown in <FIG> may be any one of the floating units <NUM> to <NUM> stored at one of the connection points <NUM> to <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. <FIG> shows a lower part of the clamping unit <NUM> in more detail comprising the first fluidic interface <NUM> and the first electrical interface <NUM> of the floating unit shown in <FIG> as well as the additional fluidic interface <NUM> and the additional electrical interface <NUM> of the connection point at which the floating unit of <FIG> is stored at.

The first fluidic interface <NUM> is connected with the conduit <NUM> and comprises the check valve <NUM> including a seat <NUM> and a closing member <NUM> actuatable by a valve spring <NUM>. The valve spring <NUM> biases the closing member <NUM> towards the seat <NUM> to block the conduit <NUM>. In addition, the pressure of the fluid within the envelope <NUM> may press the closing member <NUM> towards the seat <NUM>. The closing member <NUM> is designed as a ball and the seat <NUM> is inclined so that the ball is pressed against the seat <NUM> to avoid a leakage and a reverse flow of fluid coming through check valve <NUM> from the envelope <NUM> of the floating unit.

The additional fluidic interface <NUM> comprises a bore <NUM> and a sealing <NUM>. The sealing <NUM> is slideably inserted in the bore <NUM> and can be moved between a sealing position and a retracted position <NUM> as indicated with a dotted line. The bore <NUM> is connected to a fluid supply unit comprising a reservoir of fluid for supplying a fluid such as helium. The control unit <NUM> may control the fluid supply unit to pump or to draw fluid through the bore <NUM>.

The interface <NUM> of the control unit <NUM> is connected with the additional electrical interface <NUM> and detects when the first electrical interface <NUM> of the clamping unit <NUM> of the floating unit is connected with the additional electrical interface <NUM> to determine that the floating unit is stored at the connection point in an adequate position for starting the fluid supply process.

When the floating unit is stored at the connection point the first fluidic interface <NUM> and the additional fluidic interface <NUM> can be sealed with each other so that a leakage free transfer of fluid from one fluidic interface to the other is possible. Then, the control unit <NUM> controls the fluid supply unit to pump fluid from the reservoir to the bore <NUM>. The fluid in the bore <NUM> presses against the sealing <NUM> being in the retracted position <NUM> to move the sealing <NUM> towards the first fluidic interface <NUM> of the clamping unit <NUM> so that the sealing <NUM> is pressed against a part of the clamping unit <NUM>, here the seat <NUM>. Optionally, the sealing <NUM> may protrude into the first fluidic interface <NUM>. Then, the sealing <NUM> is in the sealing position and prevents a leakage between the first fluidic interface <NUM> and the additional fluidic interface <NUM>. The sealing <NUM> may be retained by a circlip <NUM> which engages in a circumferential groove in the bore <NUM>.

The fluid coming from the bore <NUM> is transferred from the additional fluidic interface <NUM> to the first fluidic interface <NUM> and presses against the closing member <NUM> of the check valve <NUM>. When the pressure within the bore <NUM> is high enough the fluid compresses the valve spring <NUM> and opens the check valve <NUM> so that the fluid is pressed into the conduit <NUM>. The pressure transfers the fluid through the conduit <NUM> into the envelope <NUM> of the floating unit (see <FIG>). , bore <NUM>, conduit <NUM> and the envelope <NUM> are fluidically connected so that fluid may be added or released for adjusting the gas volume <NUM> of the envelope <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may determine the pressure of the fluid to control the amount of fluid to be transferred into the envelope <NUM> or released out of the envelope <NUM>.

When the pressure falls below the spring force of the valve spring <NUM> the valve spring <NUM> presses the closing member <NUM> against the seat <NUM> for closing the check valve <NUM> again. Additionally, the sealing <NUM> moves back into the retracted position <NUM>.

Since the platform <NUM> comprises several connection points <NUM> to <NUM> as described above multiple floating units stored at the platform <NUM> can be supplied with fluid simultaneously (see <FIG>). Alternatively, instead of having multiple additional fluidic interfaces <NUM> to individually supply the floating units with fluid, a single additional fluidic interface may be provided which is configured to move horizontally below each floating unit stored at the platform <NUM>. In addition, such an additional fluidic interface may also be configured to move upwards for enabling a sealing contact to a clamping unit <NUM> prior to supply. Electric supply may also provided in that manner.

Claim 1:
A supply system (<NUM>) for at least one floating unit (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a bendable connection element (<NUM>);
the at least one floating unit (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for lifting the bendable connection element (<NUM>); and a platform;
the at least one floating unit (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising
a clamping unit (<NUM>) switchable between a fixed state for attaching the floating unit (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to the bendable connection element (<NUM>) and a released state for detaching the floating unit (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) from the bendable connection element (<NUM>); an envelope (<NUM>) for enclosing a gas volume (<NUM>); wherein
the clamping unit (<NUM>) comprises a first interface; and
the platform (<NUM>) comprising
at least one connection point (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for the at least one floating unit (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
characterized in that:
the at least one connection point (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises an additional interface for connecting the first interface of the at least one floating unit (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) when the clamping unit (<NUM>) of the at least one floating unit (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is located at the at least one connection point (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
and in that the bendable connection element (<NUM>) is threaded through the clamping unit (<NUM>) of the at least one floating unit (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).