Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DATA-ACQUISITION MODULE AND CABLE CONNECTOR
The invention relates to a data-acquisition module.
The field of the invention is seismic sensors for petroleum
prospecting of subsoil.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Each individual seismic module comprises in a manner known per
se seismic measurement input means intended to be connected to at
least one seismic sensor for measuring of at least one seismic
magnitude of the ground.
Seismic sensors measure an artificial seismic response wave
reflected by the different layers of the subsoil consecutively to
sending a predetermined artificial seismic interrogation wave
(ground shaking) sent to the surface of the terrain by a source
controlled by an operator.
The seismic sensor is for example a geophone or an
accelerometer having sufficient sensitivity for measuring the
response wave reflected in the ground.
Following ground shaking, each module acquires seismic data
corresponding to measurements of the seismic sensor. These seismic
data, as well as other data such as for example quality control
data, are then digitized, if necessary. These data are then sent to
a base station for later processing.
The sending of these data to the base station is done either by
wire link (for example a cable), or by radio link. Each module can
also record these data locally. The sending of these data to the
base station is done by wire or radio link by means of a mobile base
shifted with respect to each seismic module by an operator.
To conduct petroleum prospecting over a relatively extensive
tract of land, which may measure several kilometres by several
kilometres, the operator distributes a multiplicity of individual
modules over this zone, thus acquiring seismic data at the place in
the terrain where each seismic module is implanted. Cartography of
the subsoil corresponding to said zone is then possible from these
seismic data and is exploited to identify the potential presence of
petroleum.
It is therefore necessary to be able to exploit and therefore
previously collect data acquired by all the modules.
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Different types of devices for this purpose are known.
A seismic acquisition device of cellular type is known from
document US-A-6 229 620. In this device, terrain is divided into a
certain number of cells, each cell. containing an access node to said
cell and a certain number of geophone units. The geophone units
transmit digital data via wireless telemetry over a band at 2.4 GHz
at their respective access node, and the access nodes of the cells
transmit data to a central control unit via broadband channels in
wireless telemetry.
However, an initial restriction imposed on this type of
acquisition module is its relatively high price.
In fact, and in general, the price of acquisition modules is
augmented mainly by the fact that each acquisition module with an
antenna is not cabled. Each acquisition module must therefore have
its own power feed, most often an onboard battery and the
possibility of connecting another extra battery, these batteries
being expensive. Because of this, the price of a wireless
acquisition module is higher than that of seismic acquisition
modules cabled together and requiring only one battery for
approximately every 50 seismic sensors.
A second restriction relates to wireless transmission of data
(seismic and other) over a band which must be free from use. In
fact, it is preferable to as far as possible avoid sending data
wireless in a frequency band requiring authorisation of use, such as
for example the subscriber band at- 250 MHz. A request for use of
such a subscriber band requires in fact many administrative steps
which can slow down the process of deployment of a prospecting
mission. It is therefore preferable for the acquisition modules with
antenna to send in a free band, such as for example in the 2.4 to
2.48 GHz band or in the 5.4 to 5.8 GHz band. But the disadvantage to
antennas provided for these bands is their low gain and their low
height, which can be a hindrance whenever the acquisition module is
located in a zone where data transmission conditions are difficult,
typically when the antennas of data--acquisition modules are covered
by excessive grass height or more generally when there is an
obstacle on the communication pate: between two antennas.
Acquisition modules using wireless data transmission to an
operator carrying a monitor near the sensor with the aim of
downloading the locally recorded data to the module are also known.
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A third restriction is imposed on this device, specifically that the
operator must move to near each module to pick up the data acquired
by the latter, which is long and fastidious.
Modules having an articulated or removable antenna for changing
the antenna in the event of breakage are also known, though their
disadvantage is that their antennas fastening is fragile.
In practice, acquisition modules must be reusable for
deployment on another area of ground and must therefore resist
aggressive external forces.
A wireless transmission acquisition device can be deployed in
all sorts of environments. Yet, in difficult environs such as
forests or towns, radio waves are reflected by trees or buildings
located around the senders and receivers. The radio signal seen at
the receiver is subjected to sharp variations over distances close
to a semi-wavelength (6 cm to 2.4 GHz). The range of the acquisition
system is thus reduced. An antenna diversity technique is applied so
that the radio link between the transmitter and the receiver does
not undergo these sharp variations and is of good quality. This
means equipping the receiver and/or the transmitter with at least
two antennas spaced by at 1-east one semi--wavelength. The choice of
this distance must be such that the signals from the different
antennas are as decorrelated as possible. So when one of the
antennas undergoes strong attenuation of the signal another antenna
has a major chance of seeing a stronger signal. The receiver then
selects for example the antenna having the strongest level. The
quality of the signal is improved and the range of the device is
boosted. This is why acquisition modules are equipped with several
antennas.
Document FR A-2 889 389 describes an acquisition network of
seismic data comprising nodes having two antennas whereof one at
least of these two antennas is removable and fixed on means of
fixing within a body from which it can be removed. To be collected,
seismic data must be transmitted from node to node via wireless
communication between the antennas of some nodes and via cabled
communication between other nodes. In a variant pointed out in this
document, the node comprises a handle fixed to means of fixing
located at the distal ends of the antennas respectively. The
document points out that this handle has the following advantages:
manual transport of the node, manual erecting/dismantling of the
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node, ease of deployment and of recovery of the nodes by mechanical
means, and also ease of storage by suspension. The document also
points out that the presence of this handle between the antennas
improves the mechanical efficacity of these antennas.
However, such is not the case in practice.
In fact, in reality, antennas are fragile and break when the
node is planted in the ground. The mechanical resistance of antennas
is augmented only by the fact that the handle connects it. But when
the user manually grips the node by the handle and forces the node
into the ground by leaning on this handle, antennas do not have
sufficient mechanical resistance to resist the driving force being
exerted.
In addition, the data acquisition modules can be subjected to
numerous aggressive external forces prior to being deployed on
terrain. In fact, and most frequently, the data-acquisition modules
are unloaded from a truck or helicopter and piled up on the ground
so that personnel can distribute them to different positions on the
ground. It is therefore necessary for these aggressive external
forces to not damage the antennas.
In addition, there should be the possibility of using the
greatest variety possible of antennas to adapt to preferred ranges
and frequency bands. After positioning of the data-acquisition
module on the ground, the antenna must be able to function according
to the specifications provided with the range within the frequency
band for which the antenna is dimensioned.
The invention aims to resolve these problems of the prior art
by proposing a data-acquisition module intended to be positioned
relative to the ground and having an interface intended to be
connected to at least one seismic sensor, preventing the antennas
from deteriorating in all situations, and especially as much in the
case of shocks during transport of the sensor as when the module is
positioned relative to the ground when it is installed on terrain.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
For this purpose, the invention provides a data acquisition
module, the module comprising at least two first and second antennas
for data-communication, a handle and a body containing:
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- a communication circuit at least for sending data via at
least one of the first and second antennas,
- input means for input of said data in the communication
circuit, comprising an input interface for input of seismic
measurements, the input interface being intended to be connected to
at least one seismic sensor providing seismic measurements of at
least one seismic magnitude,
This module is remarkable in that the body comprises a rigid
upper shell comprising at least first and second arms for
protection respectively of the first and second antennas, the
first and second antennas being confined to the interior
respectively of the first and second arms, the first arm
comprising a first lower part attached to a housing of the rigid
upper shell and a first upper part, the second arm comprising a
second lower part connected to the housing of the rigid upper shell
and a second upper part, the handle being attached to at least one
of the first and second upper parts of the arms without being
connected to the first and second antennas.
Thanks to the invention, the shell serves both to maintain the
antennas in a preset position relative to the ground, as protection
for the electronic circuit and antennas, as gripping or hooking
handle, and stiffener.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the first and
second arms are made of a single piece with the handle and with the
housing.
This results in greater rigidity and greater production
simplicity by avoiding some assembly stages.
In an embodiment of the invention, said data are data
including:
- seismic data corresponding to said seismic measurements,
- quality test control data,
GPS positioning data,
GPS time-stamping data.
The module can thus wirelessly send and receive a large
variety of data via the same communication circuit and the same
antennas. The module thus serves as circulation for all data linked
to seismic measurement data.
In an embodiment of the invention, the handle is connected to
the first and second upper parts of the arms.
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In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the lower
parts widens out in the direction from the upper part to the
housing.
The resistance of the arms of the module to shocks is thus
increased by reinforcing the join of the arms with the rest of the
module, with simplicity of production. The shell comprising the arms
can in fact be made in a single piece by moulding plastic material.
In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the lower
parts of at least one of the arms comprises an inclined plane turned
towards the other of the arms.
The resistance of the arms of the module to shocks is thus
increased by reinforcing the join of the arms with the rest of the
module, with simplicity of production.
In an embodiment of the invention, the arms extending in a
determined direction between their tower part and their upper part,
the first and second antennas are in the form respectively of first
and second printed circuits extending in the determined direction on
first and second board parts of an electricity-insulating board,
which board comprises a third board part comprising a third printed
circuit in a different plane relative to the first and second board
parts of the board, the third printed circuit being connected
electrically to the first and second printed circuits.
This results in utilising technology antennas with printed
circuits protected against shocks.
In an embodiment of the invention, the third board part of the
board is folded relative to the first and second board parts of the
board into two first and second thinned zones of the board, the
third printed circuit being connected electrically to the first and
second printed circuits by a printed circuit on the first and second
thinned zones.
This results in utilising technology antennas with folded
printed circuits protected against shocks.
In an embodiment of the invention, the third board part of the
board is separate relative to the first and second board parts of
the board, the third printed circuit being connected electrically to
the first and second printed circuits by at least one electric
connector.
In an embodiment of the invention, the body comprises a lower
tip for planting in the ground.
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In an embodiment of the invention, the body comprises a base
for positioning on the ground.
In an embodiment of the invention, the housing of the upper
shell is located above the communication circuit.
In this way the electronics are protected.
In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the lower
parts serves as stiffener to its arm.
In this way resistance of the module to shocks is increased.
In an embodiment of the invention, the rigid upper shell
comprises on its external surface at least one fastening part for
fastening of a corresponding part of a cable connector, at least one
of the first and second arms comprises above the housing an abutment
surface which is insulating and made of material allowing the
electromagnetic signals from the antennas to pass through and
serving as application of an insulating part of the cable connector
containing a third antenna attached to a cable solid with the
connector, the abutment surface being arranged to serve as
mechanical stop to the insulating part of the connector and as
spacer when the corresponding part of the connector is fixed on the
fastening part located on the rigid upper shell for keeping a preset
electromagnetic coupling distance between the first and/or second
antenna of said arm and the third antenna for allowing data
communication between them.
The shell thus has also the function of fastening a cable
connector for data communication.
In an embodiment of the invention, the fastening part located
on the rigid upper shell comprises on its external surface at least
one of a recess, a projection and a rib.
The shell thus comprises mechanical parts easily enabling
removable mounting of the connector on the module.
In an embodiment of the invention, the fastening part is
located on the lower part of the arms.
in this way, the arm also has the function of fastening a
cable connector for data communication.
In an embodiment of the invention, the fastening part is
located on the housing on a side wall, of the housing located at a
distance from an upper face of the latter, connected to the arms.
In an embodiment of the invention, with the first arm being
located on the left and the second arm being located on the right,
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the abutment surface is located on the side left of the first arm or
on the right side of the second arm to be turned to the exterior
relative to the other of said arms, a first said fastening part is
located at the front relative to the arms and a second said distinct
fastening part is located to the rear relative to the arms.
In an embodiment of the invention, the housing of the rigid
upper shell comprises a part which is located away from the handle
and away from the first and second antennas and which contains a
contactless battery-charging element.
The invention provides also a cable connector for fastening on
a data acquisition module such as described hereinabove, the
connector comprising a fastening part on at least another
corresponding fastening part located on the rigid upper shell of the
data acquisition module, the connector comprising an insulating
part containing a third antenna attached to a cable solid with the
fastening part of the connector, the insulating part being made of
material allowing electromagnetic signals from the antennas to pass
through and being arranged to serve as mechanical stop against an
insulating abutment surface of at least one of the arms, when the
fastening part located on the connector is fixed on the other
fastening part located on the rigid upper shell, to maintain a
preset distance of electromagnetic coupling between the first and/or
second antenna of said arm and the third antenna to allow data
communication between them.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood from the following
description, given solely by way of non-limiting example in
reference to the attached diagrams, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic view in perspective of a first
embodiment of the data-acquisition module, having a point for
planting in the ground,
Figure 2 is a schematic view in enlarged perspective of the
planting point according to the Figure 1,
Figure 3 is a schematic view in perspective of a second
embodiment of the data-acquisition module, having a base having to
be placed on the ground,
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Figure 4 is a schematic view in perspective of the upper part
of the module according to Figure 3,
Figure 5 is a schematic view in perspective of an embodiment of
a circuit inside the module according to the invention,
Figure 6 is a schematic view in enlarged perspective of part of
the circuit according to Figure 5,
Figure 7 is a schematic view in perspective of a cable
connector intended to cooperate with one of the antennas of the
module according to Figure 1,
Figure 8 is a schematic view in perspective of a cabled
connection between two modules according to Figures 1 and 2,
Figure 9 is a schematic view in perspective of a cable
connector intended to cooperate with one of the antennas of the
module according to Figures 3 and 4,
Figures 10 and 11 are modular synoptics of electronic parts of
the module 1 according to the invention, in different embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the Figures, the data-acquisition module 1 according to the
invention comprises a body 2 enclosing all the electronic parts of
the module. A synoptic diagram of the electronic parts of two
examples of module 1 according to the invention is represented in
Figures 10 and 11. This body 2 has a determined lower part 3 which
serves for example as positioning of the module in a determined
direction relative to the ground and an upper part 4 fixed to the
lower part 3, for example by bolts 400, this lower part 3 being
called the third part 3.
In the embodiment of Figures 1. and 2, the lower part 3 is
fitted with a lower foot 31 terminating in a lower planting point or
tip 310 of the foot 31 in the ground.
In the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, the lower positioning
part 3 comprises a base 32, for example flat, which can be placed on
the ground.
In the Figures, the lower part 3 is under the upper part 4 in a
deposit direction GRD of the module 1 on the ground or forcing into
the ground, which direction is more frequently vertical or
substantially vertical downwards as in the embodiments shown in the
Figures, that is, with a downwards vertical component, this vertical
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direction being inverse to the ascending vertical direction Z. With
the positioning part 3 being intended to be sunk into the ground or
the positioning part 3 being intended to be placed on the ground,
the module 1 is known as a terrestrial seismic module 1 in this
case.
The data-acquisition module 1. is fitted with an input interface
8 for input of seismic measurements, which interface is intended to
be connected to at least one seismic sensor CAP providing seismic
measurements of at least one seismic magnitude, for example of the
ground. The interface 8 is located electrically between a data
communication circuit 6 and the seismic sensor or seismic sensors.
The seismic sensor is for example intended to be positioned on
or in the ground. The seismic measuring sensor is for example a
geophone for measuring an acoustic seismic velocity wave in the
ground or an accelerometer for measuring seismic acceleration in the
ground. The seismic measuring sensor has sufficient sensitivity to
detect and measure an artificial seismic wave, this seismic wave
being constituted by the response of layers of the subsoil to an
artificial seismic wave produced by shaking of the ground generated
at the surface by a controlled source, as is known in the petroleum
prospecting field. Such seismic measuring sensors thus have greater
sensitivity than conventional vibration sensors used for example on
machines tools or on automobiles.
The seismic sensor CAP may be housed in the body 2, in which
case the seismic data acquisition module 1 comprises the seismic
sensor CAP, said to be integrated into the module 1, as shown for
example in Figure 10. So, in one embodiment, the seismic sensor is
housed in the lower part 3 of the body 2, such as for example in
Figures 1 and 2, where the seismic measuring sensor is housed in the
foot 31 to be located in the ground when the planting tip 310 is
forced into the ground. in this case, the seismic measurement input
interface 8 is located wholly within the body 2 and comprises for
example an electrical connection in the body 2 between the seismic
sensor CAP and a communication circuit 6 communicating with the
exterior of the body 2 and of the module 1.
The seismic sensor may not be housed in the body 2, in which
case the seismic data acquisition module 1 does not include the
seismic sensor and the connection between the seismic sensor and the
data-acquisition module It must be made during installation of the
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module 1 on the ground. So, in one embodiment, the seismic measuring
sensor sends its seismic measurements to the input interface 8 by
appropriate connection means, as is the case for example in Figure 3
where the input interface 8 comprises a connector 62 located in the
body 2 and an access opening 34 provided in a side wall 33 of the
lower part 3 for one or more connection cables 81 not shown here to
pass through to connect the external seismic sensor or sensors to
the appropriate connector 62 via the opening 34. In this case, the
seismic measuring sensor or the sensors are for example one or more
geophones which are implanted in the ground outside the module 1
during installation on terrain for measuring a seismic acoustic wave
in the ground.
The module 1 may be in one of the following case: module 1
with one or more digital seismic sensors in the body 2 (figure 10),
module 1 with one or more analog seismic sensors in the body 2
(figure 10), module I with one or more digital seismic sensors
outside the body 2 (figure 11.), module 1 with one or more analog
seismic sensors outside the body 2 (figure 11), or with a mix of
analog seismic sensors and digital seismic sensors in these cases
hereinabove.
The data-acquisition module comprises the communication circuit
6 connected electrically to at least two first and second antennas
51 and 52 at least for sending and/or receiving, via at least one of
the first and second antennas 51 and 52, seismic data corresponding
to the seismic measurements, when such seismic measurements are sent
to the interface 8. Obviously, it is feasible to have a
communication circuit design comprising more than two antennas.
The antennas 51. and 52 are connected electrically to a support
circuit 9, in turn connected electrically to the communication
circuit 6, for example at least by means of another electric
connector 91 located under the support circuit 9. This support
circuit 9 is also called the upper circuit 9 in that it is mostly
located high up relative to the others. The support circuit 9
therefore supports the antennas 51 and 52.
According to another embodiment of the invention the antennas
51 and 52 are connected electrically directly to the communication
circuit 6.
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Measurements taken by the seismic sensor and received by the
interface 8 are transformed by the circuit 6 into digital seismic
data called second data.
These second data are sent outside by the emission circuit 6
to another data-acquisition module similar to the module 1, and thus
from module to module for collecting the data from successive
seismic sensors by a remote central collecting unit, not
illustrated. Consequently, the communication circuit 6 of the module
1 and the antennas 51 and 52 also serve to receive data from the
outside, having been sent by another similar data-acquisition
module, the data received by the circuit 6 being called first data
and the circuit 6 being also called circuit 6 for emission of second
data and for reception of first data.
The communication circuit 6 is connected to the first antenna
51 and to the second antenna 52 which are suitable for sending
signals transporting the second seismic data of the circuit and
which are suitable for receiving signals transporting the first
data, for wireless emission of the second data and for wireless
reception of the first data.
Of course, the data sent and/or received by the antennas and
the communication circuit 6 can include data other than seismic
data. For example, these data encompass one and/or the other of :
seismic data originating from the seismic sensor, quality control
data, battery charge control data, GPS positioning and dating data,
data relative to the operating state of the module. So, the module 1
may not send and/or receive seismic data via its antennas 51 and 52,
but may send and/or receive other types of data, such as for example
those mentioned hereinabove. The seismic data can be recovered later
when they are recorded locally in a memory of the module 1. Quality
control data serve for example to give quality information on the
environment of the module (ambient noise, for example) and decide to
keep this measurement or riot thereafter.
So, the data input means in the communication circuit 6
comprise the input interface 8 for input of the seismic measurements
of the seismic sensor or seismic sensors, in the sense that the data
sent or received by the antennas and by the communication circuit 6
may not be these seismic data corresponding to these seismic
measurements, and that the communication circuit 6 may have one or
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more input means other than the seismic measurement input interface
8, for entering data other than seismic.
Due to the presence of the seismic measurement input interface
8 the module 1 is called seismic module 1, but can of course send
and receive data other than seismic, without sending or receiving
seismic data.
According to the invention, the upper part 4 is formed by a
rigid upper shell 40, and comprises a first arm 41 enclosing the
first antenna 51 and a second arm 42 enclosing the second antenna
52. The upper shell 40 is made of electrical insulating material.
The shell 40 is made of material allowing the electromagnetic
signals from the antennas 51 and 52 to pass through. The upper shell
40 is made for example of plastics. The part 3 is for example also
in the form of a lower shell fixed to the upper shell.
The first arm 41 comprises a first lower part 411 attached to
a housing 43 of the upper shell 40 located above the communication
circuit 6 and a first upper part 412. The second arm 42 comprises a
second lower part 421 connected to the housing 43 of the upper shell
40 and a second upper part 422. A handle 44 is attached to at least
one of the first and second upper parts 412, 422 of the arms 41, 42
without being connected to the first and second antennas 51, 52.
The force exerted on the handle 44 is thus deflected from the
antennas 51, 52 by the shell 40.
The handle 44 is made for example of electrical insulating
material without containing metal parts.
In the embodiment illustrated, the handle 44 is attached to
the first upper part 412 of the arm 41 and to the second upper part
422 of the arm 42 and extends for example between the first upper
part 412 and the second upper part 422. In the embodiment
illustrated, the first and second arms 41, 42 are made of a single
piece with the handle 44 and with the housing 43, forming the rigid
shell 40. The handle 44 is for example in the form of a solid bar,
in a single piece with the material of the arms 41 and 42.
The arms 41 and 42 extend in a determined direction between
their lower part 411, 412 and their upper part 421, 422, the
antennas 51 and 52 also extending overall in this determined
direction, which in the illustrated embodiment is the direction GRD,
to have an electromagnetic beam diagram transversal to this
determined direction, that is, substantially in a horizontal plane
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when the determined direction is vertical or has a vertical
component.
The handle 44 is attached to at least one of the first and
second upper parts 412, 422 of the arms 41, 42 without being
connected to the first and second antennas 51, 52, due to the fact
that the arms 41 and 42 form a rigid envelope 41, 42 respectively
enclosing the antennas 51 and 52, this rigid envelope 41, 42 being
oblong in the determined direction.
In this way, the antennas 51, 52 are protected during handling
of the acquisition module 1.
In fact, the acquisition modules 1 are subjected to numerous
mechanical stresses during their storage, during their transport and
during their deployment on terrain. In particular, when the a data-
acquisition module 1 is installed on terrain, thanks to the shell 40
the antennas 51, 52 are prevented from breaking following the
driving force exerted on the handle 44 for sinking the tip 310 into
the ground or for placing the base 32 on the ground or more
generally for positioning the lower part 3 of the module 1 on or in
the ground, due to the fact that the handle 44 is solid with the
shell 40 in turn solid with the part 3, the foot 31, the tip 310 or
the base 32. This prevents breaking the antennas when the data
acquisition modules I clash during their transport or during their
storage. The data--acquisition module I therefore has improved
longevity.
The rigid envelope 41, 42 formed by the arms therefore has an
inner passage for lodging the antennas 51, 52.
Consequently, the circuit E and the antennas 51, 52 may have
any form, including fragile forms which would not resist the force
exerted on the handle 44 in the absence of the upper shell 40 and
the arms 41 and 42.
The antennas 51, 52 and the circuit 6 are for example made in
the form of a printed circuit board (PCB).
The function of the form of the lower parts 411 and 421 is to
allow the arms 41 and 42 to be stiffened, thus avoiding flexion of
the arms and therefore of the antennas. The arms have for example a
wider part 412, 421 at the junction with the housing 43.
For example, the lower parts 411, 421 (or at least one of the
lower parts 411, 421) widen out in the direction from the upper part
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412, 422 to the housing 43, that is, in the direction GRD to the
ground.
For example, the lower parts 411, 421 (or at least one of the
lower parts 411, 421) comprise an inclined plane respectively 4110,
4210 turned towards the other of the arms 41, 42, the inclined plane
4110, 4210 therefore in this case being inside the passage formed by
the handle 44, the arms 41, 42, and the housing 43.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first and
second antennas 51 and 52 are in the form respectively of first and
second printed circuits 51, 52 extending in the determined direction
on first and second parts 71, 72 of an electrical insulating board
7. The board 7 comprises a third board part 73 whereof the printed
circuit is connected electrically to the first and second printed
circuits 51, 52. The third part '73 of the board is in a different
plane relative to the first and second parts 71, 72 of the board,
the third part 73 of the board being located for example in a secant
plane relative to the first and second parts 71, 72 of the board and
for example substantially perpendicular. The third part 73 of the
board is in the housing 43, for example under the upper face 430
thereof between the arms 41 and 42.
As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the third part 73 of the board 7
is folded relative to the first and second parts 71, 72 of the board
into two first and second thinned zones 74, 75 of the board 7. A
printed connection circuit is provided on each of the zones 74, 75
for connecting the printed circuit 51 forming the antenna 51 and the
printed circuit 52 forming the antenna 52 to the support circuit 9
located on the third part 73. These zones 74, 75 are made for
example by milling of the insulating board, the insulating board
being suitable to be folded below a certain thickness.
In an embodiment not shown, the third part 73 of the board 7
is separate relative to the first and second parts 71, 72 of the
board 7, that is, the parts 71, 72 and 73 are constituted by three
distinct printed circuit boards. The support circuit 9 is connected
to the first and second printed circuits 51, 52 by an electric
connector.
The support circuit. 9 also comprises on the upper face of the
third part 73 an electronic GPS positioning module 61 for
synchronisation and time stamping of the first data received and the
second data sent, specifically the attribution to these data of an
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instant of receiving or sending, this instant being for example in
hours, minutes, seconds, microseconds. This GPS module 61 includes
its own fourth GPS antenna 610 for communication with GPS
positioning satellites, this antenna 610 being for example provided
on the upper face 611 of the GPS module 61, which is oriented
upwards vertically in the direction Z when the module 1 is
positioned on the ground at the vertical in the direction GRD, this
GPS antenna 610 therefore being oriented to the upper face 430 of
the housing 43.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9, the shell 40
comprises on its external surface at least one part 413, 423 for
fastening a corresponding part 123 of a cable connector 100. The
connector 100 can be fixed removably on the fastening part 413 or
423. The cable connector 100 contains a third antenna (not shown)
attached to a cable 1.02 solid with the part 123. The connector 100
comprises a second body 103 fixed to the cable 102, to the fastening
part 123 and to a part 101 containing the third antenna connected
electrically to the cable by connection means located in the body
103. The cable 102 is for example a coaxial cable. The third antenna
located inside the part 101 is for example a dipole antenna.
At least one of the first and second arms 41, 42 and for
example in Figure 7 the two arms 41, 42, comprise above the housing
43 an insulating abutment surface 414, 424 serving to apply an
insulating part 101 located on the cable connector 100. The
insulating abutment surface 414, 424 is arranged to serve as
mechanical stop to the insulating part 101 of the connector 100 and
as spacer when the corresponding part. 123 of the connector 100 is
fixed on the fastening part 413, 423 located on the shell 40 to
maintain a preset distance of electromagnetic coupling between the
first and/or second antenna 51, 52 of said arm and the third antenna
to allow data communication between the latter. The insulating
abutment surface 414, 424 is made of material allowing the
electromagnetic signals from the antennas to pass through. The
insulating part 101 is made of material allowing the electromagnetic
signals from the antennas to pass through.
The fastening part 413, 423 located on the shell 40 comprises
at least one element from the following elements: a recess, a
projection, a rib 413, 423 on its external surface. In the example
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CA 02746753 2011-07-14
shown in the Figures, the fastening part 413, 423 is formed by a rib
413, 423.
In an embodiment, such as for example in Figures 3, 4 and 9,
the fastening part 413, 423 is located on the lower part 411, 421 of
the arms 41, 42. In these Figures, the rib 413, 423 comes to the
upper face 430 of the housing 43.
In another embodiment, such as for example in Figures 1, 7 and
8, the fastening part 413, 423 is located on the housing 43 on a
side wall 431 of the housing located at a distance from the upper
face 430 connected to the arms 41, 42.
In the embodiments illustrated earlier, the first arm 41 is
located on the left and the second arm 42 is located to the right
relative to the direction GRD. The abutment surface 414 is located
on the side left of the first arm 41 to be turned to the exterior
relative to the other arm 42. The abutment surface 424 is located on
the right side of the second arm 42 to be turned to the exterior
relative to the other arm 41.. A first fastening part 413 located at
the front relative to the arm 41. and another first fastening part
413 located to the rear relative to the arm 41 are provided. A
second fastening part 423 located at the front relative to the arm
42 and another second fastening part 423 located to the rear
relative to the arm 42 are provided. The front and rear are viewed
in a direction X perpendicular to the direction GRD and to the
transversal direction Y going between the arms 41, 42. It is
possible to put a cable connector 100 on each arm 41 and 42. The
body 103 of the connector 100 is also fitted for example with a
second handle 104 located to the side away from the surface 424 and
opposite the application side 1010 of the part 101 against the
surface 424, so a to be able to simultaneously engage the parts 123
and 423 or 413 against one another and support the part 101 against
the surface 424 or 414.
The part 123 of the cable connector 100 has for example the
form of a jaw gripping respectively the front part of the rib 423
and the rear part of the rib 423 by a front part 123 and another
rear part 123. The part 123 of the connector. 100 has for example a
form complementary to the part 423, comprising for example a
complementary recess 1230 (figure 7) of the rib 423. The rib 423 and
the recess 1230 widen out fo example from top to bottom to slip the
connector 100 onto the rib 423 from top to bottom. Of course, the
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CA 02746753 2011-07-14
rib 423 could be a recess and the part 123 could have a rib 1230. Of
course, a connector similar to the cable connector 100 could be
fixed on the other fastening part 413.
The part 123 of the connector 100 could naturally be fixed on
the other fastening part 413.
Figure 8 shows a cable connection device 200 between two data-
acquisition modules la and lb, similar to the module 1 described
hereinabove. The connection device 200 comprises a cable 102 having
at a first end 201 a first connector 100a connected to the cable 102
and at a second end 202 a second connector 100b connected to the
cable 102. Hereinbelow, an a is added to the reference signs of
the connector 100 and of the module 1 described hereinabove for the
connector 100a and the module la, and a << b is added to the
reference signs of the connector 100 and of the module 1 described
hereinabove for the connector 100b and the module lb. The connectors
100a and 100b are similar to the connector 100 described hereinabove
and are fixed by the fastening parts 123a, 123b respectively to the
parts 423a and 413b, to apply the parts 101a and 101b respectively
against the surfaces 424a and 414b. Of course, the module la can be
any one of the exemplary embodiments described hereinabove of the
module 1, and the module in can be any one of the exemplary
embodiments described hereinabove of the module 1 and can be a
different embodiment to the module lb.
Thus a user is able to mount the cable 102 removably on the
modules 1 without directly touching the ends of the cable 102, in
order to send to the module lb with the module la in mounted
position the data radiated by the antenna 52a of the arm 42a of the
module la, which will then transit wirelessly to the antenna of the
part 101a of the connector 1.00a and from there via the cable 102 to
the antenna of the part. 101b of the connector 100b, then to the
antenna 51b of the arm 41b of the module lb. The connector 100 thus
prevents the ends of the cable 102 from being fixed to the modules
1, the electric transmission function of the ends of the cable 102
being separate from the mechanical fastening function ensured by the
part 123 of the connector 100, thus avoiding deterioration of the
cable due to the fact that the forces applied to the fastening part
123 are not transmitted to the cable 102 during mounting on the
module 1 and in all transport and storage conditions of the cable
102,
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CA 02746753 2011-07-14
In the embodiments illustrated, to avoid the obstacle of the
handle 44 and the antennas 51, 52, the data-acquisition module 1
comprises a contactless battery-charging element which is contained
in a part 432 of the housing 43 of the shell 40. A power battery of
the module 1 can in fact be housed in the body 2, for example in the
housing 43 such as for example in Figure 1, or for example in the
lower part 3 such as for example in Figure 3, or as a variant can be
provided outside the body 2. The battery is connected by electrical
connection means to the communication circuit 6, to the seismic
sensor and to the electronic parts of the module 1 to supply them
with electrical energy. The contactless battery-charging element is
for example a magnetic induction element. The part 432 of the
housing 43 containing the contactless battery-charging element is
for example magnetic induction. The part 432 of the housing 43
containing the contactless battery-charging element comprises for
example an element 4320 to mechanically lock with an external
charger for removably mounting the external charger on this
mechanical lock element 4320. When the charger is in the installed
position on the mechanical lock element 4320, the charger
contactlessly generates a charge current in the battery charge
element contained in the part. 432 by magnetic induction. The part
432 is situated away from the arms 41 and 42 so as not to impede
removable mounting of the cable connector 100 and is located for
example on a side wall 433 other than the wall 431 on which the
fastening elements 413 and 423 are located, for example to the right
or left side of the housing 43 in the plane connecting the arms,
considered as being a frontal plane.
In the above, there can be another arm or other arms receiving
no antenna. On one side there can in fact be an arm which carries an
antenna, another hollow or solid and similarly on the other side.
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