EP0134737B1 - Submarine suction cup of the low pressure by suction type - Google Patents

Description

The technical sector of the present invention is that of underwater works, and more particularly devices aimed at producing solid attachment points on an underwater wall.

In the field of underwater works, divers have always come up against the problem, however essential, of fixing themselves firmly on a wall to carry out work there, for example welding, drilling, or even fixing tape for the evacuation of products contained in tanks.

Suction cups of different types have been used for a long time to achieve these solid support points. There are three types of prior known embodiments: underwater static suction cups, magnetic suction cups and maintained magnetic suction cups.

The first principle is generally used for the fixing and the maintenance of the explosive charges of destruction but their effectiveness is limited in time (and strongly depends on the care brought to their installation) and their force of adhesion is rather weak. They also require a surface cleaned beforehand.

The second principle is used for the attachment of robots or machining systems. However, the magnetic suction cups are not very effective, require careful cleaning of the magnetic walls and their weight allows only horizontal applications downwards.

The third principle is also unsatisfactory since it is not very effective due to the absence of skirts. In addition, this is heavy and bulky equipment.

A last principle (FR-A-2 071 477) consists in using suction cups of the vacuum type maintained by a permanent pumping means for possible leaks, corresponding to a suction cup according to the preamble of claim 1.

US Patents 2,347,491, US 2,876,026 and FR 2,071,477 describe similar suction cups. However, they describe devices all connected to an external power supply arranged on a carrier boat, the suction cups themselves being of large volume to allow with only three or four suction cups to ensure the refloating of the ship. These devices are not autonomous and are not portable by a diver.

The object of the invention is to provide a suction cup of the latter type (with maintained vacuum) which is portable, therefore of low weight, but retains a large autonomy without the addition of energy or fluid from a carrier boat.

• - une enceinte étanche contenant les batteries, le circuit électrique et le moteur d'entraînement ;
• - un accouplement magnétique d'entraînement de la pompe par le moteur au travers de la paroi étanche de l'enceinte.

The invention therefore aims to obtain, while avoiding the aforementioned drawbacks, effective fixing along a submerged wall. The solid attachment point will be produced by an underwater suction cup, of the vacuum type maintained by a permanent pumping means for any leaks according to the preamble of claim 1. According to the invention, the suction cup comprises:

• - a sealed enclosure containing the batteries, the electrical circuit and the drive motor;
• - a magnetic coupling for driving the pump by the motor through the sealed wall of the enclosure.

A feature of the invention is to include the batteries and the motor 2 driving the pump 9 inside a sealed enclosure 7 without opening towards the pump, which ensures better sealing of the electrical circuit and batteries, this being permitted by virtue of the motor-pump connection produced through the sealed wall of the enclosure 7 without opening of the latter by means of a magnetic coupling.

Preferably, the skirt is made of neoprene.

According to a first variant, the sealing skirt 10 is a single-walled skirt, interchangeable.

In one application of the invention, the sealing skirt 10 has a double wall with a profile suitable for holding plates before welding, the wall with internal profile 13 being longer than the external wall 12 and the two walls each having a variation. 19 in their length over part of their circumference, the variation in length being a function of the thickness of the plate to be welded,

In another application of the invention, the sealing skirt 10 is double-walled, the profile of which is suitable for lifting spherical objects, the internal wall 13 being either shorter or the same length as the external wall 12 and the skirt 10 being interchangeable according to the extent of the variation in the diameters of the various spherical objects to be lifted.

Another object of the invention is to provide an autonomous device for assisting the progression underwater of a diver along a wall despite the presence of significant sea currents, the device comprising two suction cups according to the invention used alternately.

In this case, the suction cups may include a means of simultaneous action of stopping the engine and putting the vacuum bell of the suction cup at ambient pressure.

Another object of the invention is to achieve by means of the suction cups according to the invention an underwater workshop comprising a platform allowing the laying of heavy loads or tools, this underwater workshop can be applied in any place under the hull of a ship by means of the aforementioned suction cups, to assist a diver carrying out repairs under the hull and ensuring off-shore work.

Finally, another feature of the invention is that the underwater suction cup can include a safety device triggering the operation of the pump 9 at a predetermined depth.

• la figure 1 montre la ventouse en coupe longitudinale selon la première variante, c'est-à-dire munie d'une jupe en néoprène à simple paroi ;
• la figure 2 montre la ventouse de dessus suivant F, munie de son couvercle ;
• la figure 3 montre la ventouse de dessus suivant F, sans son couvercle :
• la figure 4 montre la ventouse selon la coupe A-A de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 5 montre un détail de la ventouse en coupe longitudinale selon la seconde variante, c'est-à-dire munie d'une jupe en néoprène à double paroi ;
• la figure 6 montre une jupe à double paroi adaptée au cas particulier du levage d'objets sphériques ;
• la figure 7 montre une jupe à double paroi à profil spécial adaptée au cas particulier de maintien d'une plaque avant soudure ;
• la figure 8 schématise une centrale de dépression avec des ventouses séparées pour la fixation de matériels importants ;
• la figure 9 montre un dispositif de sécurité selon la coupe C-C de la figure 2 ;
• la figure 10 représente en coupe un autre mode de réalisation de la ventouse selon l'invention de forme moins volumineuse ;
• la figure 11 montre en coupe partielle AA de la figure 10 le détail du moyen d'actionnement simultané de l'arrêt du moteur et de la mise à pression ambiante de la cloche à dépression ;
• la figure 12 montre l'application de telles ventouses à la progression d'un plongeur le long d'une paroi et
• la figure 13 montre l'application des ventouses selon l'invention à la réalisation d'ateliers sous-marins.

The invention will be illustrated with the aid of the following detailed description of an embodiment given by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the drawings in which:

• Figure 1 shows the suction cup in longitudinal section according to the first variant, that is to say provided with a single wall neoprene skirt;
• FIG. 2 shows the upper suction cup along F, fitted with its cover;
• FIG. 3 shows the upper suction cup along F, without its cover:
• Figure 4 shows the suction cup according to section AA of Figure 1;
• Figure 5 shows a detail of the suction cup in longitudinal section according to the second variant, that is to say provided with a double-walled neoprene skirt;
• Figure 6 shows a double-walled skirt suitable for the specific case of lifting spherical objects;
• FIG. 7 shows a double-walled skirt with a special profile adapted to the particular case of holding a plate before welding;
• Figure 8 shows schematically a central vacuum with separate suction cups for fixing important equipment;
• Figure 9 shows a safety device according to section CC of Figure 2;
• FIG. 10 shows in section another embodiment of the suction cup according to the invention of less bulky shape;
• FIG. 11 shows in partial section AA of FIG. 10 the detail of the means for simultaneously actuating the stopping of the engine and the setting of the vacuum bell at ambient pressure;
• FIG. 12 shows the application of such suction cups to the progression of a plunger along a wall and
• FIG. 13 shows the application of the suction cups according to the invention to the production of underwater workshops.

The underwater suction cup, according to the first variant, is presented according to FIG. 1. The sealed enclosure 7 of the suction cup contains the pump 9 and the motor 2, the drive of the pump 9 by the motor 2 being done by means of the magnetic coupling 8. The motor is started manually using the contactor 4, and thanks to the safety device 11 (see fig. 2 and 9) triggering at a predetermined depth. Once the contactor 4 is engaged, the motor 2 is supplied, either by the internal batteries 3, or by means of the external power connector 6. A vacuum by suction is then created in the bell formed by the skirt 10, the pump 9 being provided with exhaust 1.

This pump 9 differs from vacuum pumps by air suction in the following way: it works by only sucking water, which is also its lubricating liquid and can maintain a significant vacuum inside of the bell formed by the skirt 10, even in the absence of flow. Sealing is achieved thanks to the neoprene skirt 10. A skirt holder allows its interchangeability. Finally, to allow good maneuverability of the suction cup by divers, it is provided with a handle 5.

The underwater suction cup according to the second variant is presented according to FIG. 5. The skirt is provided with two walls 12 and 13 substantially of the same length, which makes it possible to obtain a better seal in the case where one of the two skirts would be badly positioned.

According to another variant, the wall 13 is longer than the wall 12 (see for example the right part of FIG. 7). Thus the plunger, by applying the suction cup against an underwater wall, only brings the wall into contact with the latter 13. Adhesion is then achieved, but the wall 13 may not be perfectly positioned and leaks remain . The plunger having released the handle 5, can then perfectly position the wall 12, the latter not having yet adhered to the underwater wall. This principle has the enormous advantage of avoiding the diver during an imperfect adhesion to the wall 12, having to start the whole maneuver again, and having a perfect seal, the plunger having all the time necessary to perform positioning. wall 12.

The skirt shown in Figure 7 is provided with a wall 13 longer than the wall 12. But the variant of the underwater suction cup shown in Figure 7 is also suitable for holding plates before welding. As a result, the two walls, of unequal length, each have a variation in their length over part of their circumference. This variation corresponds to the thickness of the plate to be welded and can range, while guaranteeing a perfect seal, up to a maximum of 12 mm.

Figure 6 shows the variant of an underwater suction cup suitable for lifting spherical objects. The two walls 12 and 13 are of different length, the wall 12 being longer than the wall 13 so that the end of the two walls is arranged on the same sphere. Thus, for spherical objects of substantially equal diameter, the adhesion of the two walls will be carried out in a perfect manner, the end of the two walls also being bevelled to allow total sealing. It is also possible to provide an identical length of the two walls 12 and 13. Thus according to the preceding principle, the wall 13 will adhere first, thus allowing the plunger to perfectly position the wall 12.

It is also possible to lift spherical objects of different diameter, thanks to the interchangeability of the skirts. The basic principle of the underwater suction cup can be adapted as required.

The device shown in FIG. 8 comprises a single vacuum pump 9 connected by means of flexible pipes 15 to different vacuum chambers provided with single or double walled sealing skirts. The suction cups are connected together by a rigid frame 14. This device allows for example to fix along an underwater hull a cleaning robot or other automatic mechanisms. In addition, specific skirts can be adapted to each particular case.

Finally, FIG. 9 shows the safety device triggering the pump at a certain depth. This device is composed of a plate with holes 16 in which the water establishes a pressure acting on the membrane 17. The latter, by deforming, will establish contact at a certain pressure corresponding to a predetermined immersion depth, with relay 18 connected in series in the control circuit between the contactor and the motor. Thus the engine will be started and the pump will come into action.

The results acquired during laboratory and marine tests prove the effectiveness of this device. Tests in the marine environment have proven the excellent performance of the dynamic suction cup equipped with a double neoprene skirt, the diameter of the external wall is 300 mm and the diameter of the internal wall is 220 mm.

After adhesion to a rough concrete formwork wall, the submerged suction cup 1 m deep resisted pulls in the axis of 280 daN.

In lateral traction, the suction cup is pulled out between 50 daN and 100 daN depending on the surface condition.

Figures 10 and 11 show a variant of space-saving suction cup which can be intended to aid the progression of a diver along a boat hull in the presence of a sea current. In this variant, the operating principle is preserved but can be improved by the presence of a means for simultaneously controlling the stopping of the pumping and the setting of the vacuum chamber 10 to ambient pressure 10. The control means 20 is made in the form of an on / off switch 22 for the motor 2, actuated by a sealed push button 23 acting against a spring 24, the push button 23 being integral with a rod 25 operating a valve 21 which allows, by pressing on the pusher, to put the interior of the vacuum bell 10 into communication with the marine environment through an adjustment 26.

In a light version of this variant, the batteries 3 for supplying the engine 2 may not be placed inside the sealed enclosure 7 but be placed on the compressed air bottles 27 of the plunger (see FIG. 12). , the batteries 3 then being connected to the motor 2 by cables 28.

By means of such suction cups, the invention allows the realization of an autonomous means of assistance with the progression under water of a plunger along a wall against currents of 1 to 2 knots.

Thus to help his progress, the diver holds in each hand a suction cup carrying a built-in battery or connected by a cable 28 to a battery 3 supported by its compressed air bottles. To grip the wall (ship's side, wreck, quay, ...) the plunger presses a suction cup against the wall by releasing the control means 20; the pump then operates while the vacuum bell is closed by the valve 21 and the suction cup becomes vacuum. To advance, the diver places a second suction cup further on the wall and detaches the first suction cup by pressing on the control means 20, which has the effect of stopping the motor 2 and putting the bell 10 and the sea in communication .

Such suction cups thus make it possible to ensure underwater work in large currents, something which was previously impossible due to the lack of support points and of reaction of the plunger relative to the wall.

Lightened suction cups weighing less than 3 daN made according to the invention thus made it possible for a diver to progress or work with an autonomy of more than an hour in currents of 2 knots.

In the use provided for in FIG. 12, an underwater workshop is produced by means of a platform scaffolding 30 comprising expandable horizontal and vertical tubes 31 at the end of which suction cups 33 can be arranged according to the invention.

The suction cups 33 are arranged at the end of the horizontal or vertical tubes 31, depending on the inclination of the hull or of the wall on which the underwater workshop is to be fixed. To allow better adaptability of the assembly, the suction cups are mounted to rotate on the arms 31 by means of rotation axes 32.

Depending on the size of the suction cups, it will be possible to have more or less important batteries and a pump allowing a greater or less autonomy as well as a more or less high load capacity.

By way of example, using four suction cups with the characteristics already described, the load capacity of the platform 30 is under water of 1,000 daN with an autonomy of one hour.

If more autonomy is desired, external batteries can be used on the carrier boat to which the suction cups 33 will be connected.

The submarine workshop thus produced has an important advantage compared to previous achievements which were fixed under the ship using two straps passed from one edge to the other. The implementation time of these prior devices required approximately four hours of work for two divers and three men on board while the device according to the present invention requires only half an hour of work for 2 divers and a man of edge.

In addition, such workshops allow divers to have welding tongs, electrode baskets or any other tools necessary for their activity underwater.

In addition, thanks to the ease of use of the suction cups, such workshops can be used along horizontal or vertical walls or any inclination.

It will however be possible to exceed these values by supplying the module with 18 V DC. laboratory tests being conclusive in this area.

Different applications can be envisaged. in particular the plating on a hull of a repair plate for the pointing of the preliminary welds before the continuous welding, the creation of a fixed point for the attachment of different materials for the execution of repair work, the attachment under a hull of a work platform, the lifting of a load by suction cup towed by a fast boat, the lifting of a silted explosive device to avoid the diver from manually lifting this device or finally the fixing of a barrel to water to get loads.

Claims (9)

1. Autonomous, portable underwater suction cup providing a solid securing point on an underwater wall, of the type in which the vacuum is created by sustained suction from a pumping system continually pumping out any leaks, consisting of one turbine pump 9 that can operate at zero flow and supported by a vacuum bell-jar, the said suction cup including at least one watertightness skirt, wherein it includes :

- one watertight chamber 7 containing the batteries 3, the electrical circuit and the drive motor 2 ;

- one magnetic drive coupling 8 linking pump 9 to motor 2 through the watertight wall of the chamber.

2. Underwater suction cup as claimed in claim 1, wherein the watertightness is provided by a neoprene skirt (10).

3. Underwater suction cup as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the watertightness skirt is a single-wall skirt, interchangeable.

4. Underwater suction cup as claimed in any one claim 1 to 3, wherein the watertightness skirt (10) has a double wall with a profile designed to hold the plates before welding, the inner wall being longer than the outer wall and both exhibiting a variation (19) in length around part of their circumference, the variation in length depending on the thickness to be welded.

5. Underwater suction cup as claimed in any one claim 1 to 3, wherein the watertightness skirt 10 has a double wall with a profile adapted to the hoisting of spherical objects, the inner wall being shorter than or of the same length as the outer wall 12 and the skirt being interchangeable, depending on the difference in diameters of the various spherical objects to be hoisted.

6. Underwater suction cup as claimed in any one claim 1 to 5, wherein it includes a safety device that starts the pump 9 at a given depth.

7. Underwater suction cup as claimed in any one claim 1 to 6, wherein it includes one system (20) for simultaneously switching off the motor and placing the vacuum glass at atmospheric pressure by means of valves 21.

8. Autonomous device for helping a diver move along a wall, wherein it includes two suction cup as claimed in claim 7, the suction cups being held in each hand of the diver and actuated alternately.

9. Underwater shop including one platform 30 integral with extensible arms 31, at the ends of which are mounted, rotating about axis of rotation 32, one cup 33 as claimed in any one claim 1 to 7.

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