EP1207100A1 - Self contained breathing apparatus with integrated human-powered pump - Google Patents

Self contained breathing apparatus with integrated human-powered pump Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1207100A1
EP1207100A1 EP01125133A EP01125133A EP1207100A1 EP 1207100 A1 EP1207100 A1 EP 1207100A1 EP 01125133 A EP01125133 A EP 01125133A EP 01125133 A EP01125133 A EP 01125133A EP 1207100 A1 EP1207100 A1 EP 1207100A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pump
diving
block
tank
diving block
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP01125133A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Serge Vigny
Benoít Saillet
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Salomon SAS
Original Assignee
Salomon SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from FR0014751A external-priority patent/FR2816581B1/en
Priority claimed from FR0017125A external-priority patent/FR2818612B1/en
Application filed by Salomon SAS filed Critical Salomon SAS
Publication of EP1207100A1 publication Critical patent/EP1207100A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C11/00—Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects
    • B63C11/02—Divers' equipment
    • B63C11/18—Air supply
    • B63C11/22—Air supply carried by diver

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an autonomous diving block with recharging by action intended for practicing in particular, but not limited to, diving at low depth.
  • One of the aims of the invention is therefore to remedy the above drawbacks while limiting sealing problems.
  • the scuba diving unit includes an action pump which is integrated into the diving block. This pump is positioned inside the outer casing of the diving unit which also incorporates a tank.
  • the human action pump is positioned outside the tank which allows reduce sealing problems at the junction between the pump and the tank.
  • the pump is manufactured independently of the block of then is positioned in the diving block.
  • the pump uses, for its operation, components of the diving unit.
  • the pump is partially integrated into the block of diving.
  • the pump is a manual pump, which the user operates with the arms, in other modes, the pump is a foot-operated pump.
  • Figure 1 shows schematically a front view of the diving unit.
  • Figure 2 schematically shows a cross section of the diving block according to the first embodiment.
  • Figure 3 schematically shows a cross section of the diving block according to a variant of the first embodiment.
  • Figure 4 schematically shows a cross section of the diving block according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 schematically represents a side perspective view of the diving unit according to the third embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 schematically represents a front view, from the front of a diving unit according to a fourth embodiment equipped with a two-piston foot pump.
  • FIG. 6A schematically represents a side view of the diving unit illustrated in the figure 6. This view includes cutouts at the level of the pump as well as at the top of the block.
  • FIG. 7 schematically represents a front view, from the rear of a diving unit according to a variation of the fourth embodiment equipped with a two-foot foot pump pistons.
  • FIG. 7A schematically represents a side view, with a cutaway at the level of the pump, of the diving unit illustrated in figure 7.
  • FIG. 8 schematically represents a front view, from the front of a diving unit fitted with a one-piston foot pump.
  • FIG. 8A schematically represents a side view, with a cutaway at the level of the pump, of the diving unit illustrated in figure 8.
  • Figure 9 schematically shows a side view of a detail of the illustrated pump in Figures 6 to 7A.
  • FIG. 10 represents a diagram of operation of the diving unit according to the fourth embodiment and according to a mode of connection of the pistons in series.
  • FIG. 11 represents a diagram of operation of the diving unit according to the fourth embodiment and according to a method of connecting the pistons in parallel.
  • FIG. 12 schematically represents a front perspective view of the second mode of production.
  • the scuba diving unit 1 is defined as a breathing unit allowing a diver to breathe underwater independently without any need to link with the area.
  • the autonomous diving unit 1 comprises at least one tank 2 intended to contain a gas under pressure and possibly a carrying device.
  • the tank 2 includes an orifice filling 203 and an outlet 206 to which a breathing nozzle is connected 202 which allows the user to breathe the gas contained in the tank 2.
  • a regulator can advantageously be positioned between the reservoir 2 and the breathing nozzle 202. The regulator reduces the pressure of the gas contained in the tank 2 in order to make it breathable by the diver.
  • the carrying device is represented by at least one strap 50, 50b and a belt 204 which make it possible to secure the diving block 1 on the back of the diver to the less during the diving phase.
  • the carrying device can include only a belt intended to carry the diving block on the hips.
  • the diving unit 1 can advantageously comprise at least one wheel 47, fixed on the outer casing 4, in order to constitute a means of transport facilitating transport when it is out of the water. So the user can pull or push the diving block 1 on the ground by rolling it. This means of transport can supplement or replace the carrying device.
  • the diving unit 1 includes a manual pump 3 which makes it possible to compress the gas in the reservoir 2.
  • This pump 3 is driven by the action of the user who provides the work necessary for the operation of the pump 3 by actuating the grip handle 30 with at least one of his hands.
  • diving block 1 will include advantageously at least one footrest 45, 46 positioned in the lower part 4a of the diving block 1.
  • the diving unit 1 comprises a outer casing 4 which notably includes the reservoir 2.
  • This outer casing 4 defines an external physical limit of the diving block 1 and makes it possible to limit the risks of snagging of diving unit 1 during the diving phase.
  • This external envelope 4 will therefore have advantageously an ergonomic and smooth or even profiled shape.
  • the footrests 45, 46 will be positioned on the outside of the outer casing 4 in its lower part 4a and preferably arranged symmetrically.
  • the user for actuate the grip handle 30 of the manual pump 3, position its feet on the footrest 45, 46 and thus stabilizes, by its own weight, the diving unit 1 during the pumping phase.
  • the manual pump 3 is integrated in the diving unit 1 which allows in particular to dive without having to return to its starting point and without requiring access to a compressor.
  • This integration into the diving unit 1 also makes it possible to limit the risk of the pump catching during the dives and also during the movements of the diving block 1.
  • the pump 3 is positioned inside the outer casing 4 of the block of plunge 1.
  • the grip handle 30 of the manual pump 3 is positioned so as to be accessible from the outside of the external envelope 4, in order to allow actuation of the manual pump 3.
  • the manual pump 3 is positioned at the exterior of the tank 2, which limits the sealing problems by limiting the number of joints and the length of these joints both at the pump 3 and at the tank 2.
  • the diving unit 1 illustrated in section in FIG. 2, comprises at at least one separating wall 5 which delimits at least two compartments 60, 61 in the outer casing 4.
  • the pump 3 is positioned in one of the compartments 60 and the tank 2 is positioned in the other compartment 61.
  • the separating wall 5 comprises at least one orifice 10 making it possible to connect the pump 3 to the reservoir 2.
  • the external envelope 4 constitutes at least one part of the wall of the tank 2.
  • the separating wall 5 constitutes at least a part of the wall of the tank 2.
  • the compartment 61 directly constitutes the tank 2 in which is stored gas under pressure.
  • the outer envelope 4 must therefore be dimensioned in consequence for resisting the intrinsic pressure of the pressurized gas which applies to inside these walls.
  • compartment 61 can also be equipped with internal packaging. intended to receive pressurized gas such as an aluminum bottle or a flexible envelope.
  • pressurized gas such as an aluminum bottle or a flexible envelope.
  • the pump 3 operates independently of the block of dive 1 while being integrated into it.
  • the pump body 3b is arranged in the compartment 60 of the diving unit 1.
  • the manual pump 3, in particular at level of its pump body 3b can be manufactured independently of the diving unit 1.
  • Compliance with this constructive arrangement advantageously makes it possible to be able to manufacture at least the body of the pump 3b by a specialized company and carry out only the integration of pump 3 into the diving unit 1. Indeed, in order to minimize maximum physical expenditure of the user to perform the pumping, we will seek increasingly efficient pumps, in particular at the level of the piston (s) 32, 33 which are positioned in the body of the pump 3b.
  • the outer casing 4 comprises at least one orifice 40, 41 through which passes a rod 31 which connects the handle 30 to the pump body 3b.
  • the compartment 60 which contains the body pump 3b is sealed.
  • the orifices 40, 41 are provided with a seal 43 which allows the axial movement of the rod 31 while ensuring the seal of the orifice.
  • the intake of air supplying the pump 3 can advantageously be done by the rod 31 at the handle 30.
  • Compliance with this constructive arrangement makes it possible to avoid leaks of the pump body 3b during the diving phase, facing the pressure external force exerted by the water during the dive.
  • the compartment 60 being sealed significantly pressurizes atmospheric pressure, the pressure difference between the interior and the outside of compartment 60 can be relatively large. However it will be necessary to realize an outer casing 4 able to withstand this pressure difference.
  • a construction of the same type can be envisaged with a manual pump 3 operating rotary.
  • the manual pump 3 is positioned in the compartment 60, but the rod 31, which connects the pump 3 to a rotary actuation system for the hands, is rotated.
  • the orifice 40 of the outer casing 4, through which the rod 31 passes, will then be provided with a seal sealing 43 which allows the rotary movement of the rod 31 while ensuring the sealing of the orifice.
  • the external envelope could advantageously be produced in thermoplastic material loaded with fibers such as polyamide loaded with glass fiber, with a thickness of approximately between 1 and 3 millimeters.
  • the external envelope thus produced easily withstands internal pressures of around 20 bar for compartment 61 and external overpressures, at compartment 60, which correspond to dives about 10 meters deep.
  • the use of injected material makes it possible to carry out profiled geometries of the outer casing 4 in order to reduce the risks of snagging during diving.
  • other matters such as, by way of example but not limiting, of aluminum alloy, can be used.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a variant of the first embodiment in which the compartment 60 is not waterproof.
  • the orifices 40, 41 through which the rod 31 of manual pump 3 is not waterproof but in order to prevent water from remaining in the compartment 60, the outer casing 4 will advantageously include, at the level of the compartment 60, a lower orifice 44.
  • the diving unit 1 is represented according to the configuration of the second mode embodiment according to which the manual pump 3 uses the walls of the diving unit 1 in order to ensure its functioning.
  • the block of dive 1 includes the outer casing 4 and the separating wall 5 which delimits the compartment 61 serving directly as a reservoir 2.
  • compartment 60 and the manual pump 3 differ from the previous embodiment.
  • the manual pump 3 comprises at least one piston 32 which comprises a cylinder 32c in which slides the head of the piston 32b.
  • the separating wall 5 constitutes at least part of the wall of cylinder 32c of piston 32 of pump 3.
  • the outer casing 4 constitutes also part of the wall of the cylinder 32c of the piston 32.
  • the compartment 60 directly constitutes the cylinder 32c of the piston 32.
  • the piston head 32b which is actuated by the handle 30, will therefore have a shape complementary to the compartment 60 in order to ensure the tightness and operation of the piston 32.
  • the tightness of the upper part of the piston 32 is provided by seals 43 positioned in the orifices 40, 41 through which passes the rod 31 for actuating the manual pump 3.
  • the piston 32 is delimited at its base by a wall 60b arranged substantially horizontal which is positioned substantially above the orifice 10 supplying the tank 2.
  • the wall 60b comprises an orifice 60c from which a pipe 62 which is connected to the orifice 10.
  • This arrangement makes it possible to optimize the operation of the pump 3.
  • the compartment 60 can be divided, thanks at least to a separating wall additional, in at least two pistons.
  • These pistons are partially delimited by the outer casing 4.
  • the outer casing 4 can advantageously be made of thermoformed materials such as described previously.
  • the diving unit 1 is represented according to the third embodiment according to which the outer casing 4 constitutes partial protection of the manual pump 3.
  • the diving unit 1 always includes the tank 2 which is included in the envelope external 4.
  • the diving unit 1 also includes the manual pump 3 which is arranged at the exterior of the external envelope 4.
  • the external envelope 4 extends laterally, according to minus a protrusion 100, 101.
  • the pump 3 is fixed to the outer casing 4 so as to be covered, at least in part, by the protrusion 100.101.
  • the external envelope 4 comprises two protuberances 100, 101 which extend laterally along a plane substantially parallel to the rear face 1b of the diving unit, intended to be in contact with the user's back.
  • the growths 100,101 which are arranged advantageously respectively according to the extension of the front face 1a and the rear face 1b, form a housing 103 intended for accommodate the manual pump 3.
  • These protuberances 100 and 101 make it possible to integrate the pump manual 3 in the diving unit 1, although the pump 3 is positioned outside the external envelope 4.
  • the grip handle 30 will advantageously be, in retracted position, integrated in the diving unit 1.
  • the handle 30 comes out as little as possible from the overall shape defined by the external envelope 4 and is in continuity with it.
  • the grip 30 will advantageously include a closure means 48 complementary to the diving block 1 allowing the handle 30 to be held in position September.
  • This closing means is illustrated by a strap 48 fixed respectively to each of these ends on one of the faces 1a, 1b of the outer casing 4 and which passes through the handle 30.
  • the strap 48 has an adjustment means 49 which makes it possible to maintain the handle 30, in the retracted position, against the outer casing 4.
  • the handle 30 is positioned and held in the closed position, thus making it possible to limit the risks of snagging of the diving block 1 with elements external to said block.
  • the pump 3 is a foot pump which, according to the invention, is fixed to the diving unit 1 and integrated into the latter, that is to say integrated into the size of the outer casing 4 which also contains the reservoir 2, but it is arranged outside of the latter.
  • the air tank 2 may advantageously be equipped with a device for measuring the pressure 201 which measures the pressure of the gas in the tank 2 and which indicates indirectly the breathing autonomy remaining in the tank 2.
  • the pump 3 is connected to the tank 2 only through at least one orifice of filling 207.
  • This filling orifice 207 makes it possible to fill and pressurize the gas inside the tank 2 by the action of the pump 3.
  • the filling orifice 203 which is also connected to the tank 2, it is intended to be connected to a compressor to possibly ensure occasional filling of the tank 2.
  • the pump 3 comprises a pedal 14 which makes it possible to transmit the motive force exerted by the feet P of the user at the pump 3.
  • This pedal 14 is pivotally mounted around a axis 20 which is, in this constructive configuration, oriented substantially along the axis longitudinal of the diving unit 1.
  • the pedal 14 is connected to at least one of its ends 21, 22 to a piston 11, 12.
  • the pump 3 comprises two pistons 11, 12, the end 21 is connected to the piston 11 and the end 22 is connected to the piston 12 according to an operating mode which will be detailed later.
  • the pedal 14 of the pump 3 is positioned substantially on the front face 100 of the diving unit 1 which is located opposite the rear face 101 on which are located the straps 50. So to activate the pump 3, the user folds the diving block against a support S, such as the ground, with the rear face 101 in abutment against this support S. Then the user climbs on the diving block 1, at the level of the pedal 14. Thus the diving block 1 is interposed between the user's foot P and the support S. As the power necessary for the operation of the pump 3 is supplied by the legs of the user, this power also uses the weight of the user. This constructive arrangement allows fill and compress the air in tank 2 to the pressure necessary for diving without put too much effort or physically exhaust the user.
  • the pump 3 is positioned at inside the perimeter defined by the external envelope 4, below the tank 2 and substantially at the waist 204.
  • This arrangement makes it possible in particular to concentrate the load at the level of the belt which facilitates the porting, out of the water, of the diving unit 1.
  • the belt 204 will advantageously include at least one pocket 205 intended for contain ballast, such as pebbles.
  • the ballast can also be positioned directly in the diving unit 1, in particular at the level of a closed compartment which would be fitted in the outer casing 4 of the diving unit 1.
  • FIGS. 7 and 7A represent a variation of embodiment according to which the pedal 14 is positioned on the rear face 101 on which the straps 50 are also positioned.
  • pump 3 will be positioned substantially in the center of the rear face 101 in a housing 103 which is closed by the pedal 14. Thus the pump 3 is surrounded by the reservoir 2 as illustrated in FIG. 7A.
  • the axis 20 of the pump 3 will advantageously be positioned between the front face 100 and the rear face 101.
  • the pedal 14 will be held by a suitable device in a stable position substantially parallel to the rear face 101. Compliance with this constructive arrangement allows to maintain in a stabilized state, the pedal 14 set back from the user's back.
  • the user places the diving unit 1 with its front face 100 in support against the support S. Then he climbs on the diving block 1 with his feet, at the level of the pedal 14, on the rear face 101.
  • the user alternately and repeatedly exercises on his left leg a force F1 then on his right leg a force F2.
  • This sequence of actions rotates the pedal 14 around the axis 20 in a tilting movement oscillating.
  • This pedal 4 alternately drives the pistons 11, 12 of the pump 3.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a detail of the pump 3 used in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 to 7a.
  • the pump 3 comprises two pistons 11, 12 which are positioned in different planes.
  • the pistons 11, 12 which work axially, are pivotally mounted around a axis 111, 112 being themselves fixed on the outer casing of the diving unit 1.
  • the pedal 4 is pivotally mounted around axis 20 which is mounted in an arm 113 which is itself fixed on the diving unit 1.
  • the axes 111, 112 as well as the arm 113 can be attached to the tank 2.
  • a end 22 of the pedal 14 is connected to the piston 12 via a pin 22a.
  • the other end 21 of the pedal 4 is connected to the piston 11 via a pin 21 a.
  • the ends 21, 22 are respectively connected to arms 11a, 12a which slide axially in the chambers 11b, 12b of the pistons 11, 12 and which compress the gas.
  • axes 111, 112 and 22a, 21a and 20 have substantially the same direction orientation to respect the kinematics of pump 3.
  • the kinematics of pump 3 produces simultaneous movements of the arms 11a, 12a with respect to their respective piston 11, 12.
  • the arm 1 enters it into the piston 11, namely a displacement D1
  • the arm 12a comes out of the piston 12, namely a displacement D10.
  • displacement D1 is simultaneous with D10
  • displacement D2 is simultaneous with displacement D20.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of the operation of the diving unit 1 when the two pistons 11, 12 are arranged in series.
  • An air intake 250 makes it possible to supply air, coming from outside the diving unit 1, the piston 11 by means of two valves non-return 300, 301 which supply the upper chamber 11x and the chamber respectively lower 11y of the piston 11.
  • the chambers 11y and 11x see their volume varied according to the position of the head 11c in the piston 11.
  • the pump actuation pedal causes on the two arms 11a and 12a respectively either simultaneous displacements D2 and D20 or simultaneous displacements D1 and D10.
  • Movement D1 causes air filling of chamber 11x and pressurization air contained in the chamber 11y which is expelled directly into the tank 2 by a non-return valve 302.
  • the D1 movement is accompanied by the D10 movement which compresses and expels directly the air contained in the chamber 12x of the piston 12 in the tank 2 by a non-return valve 303.
  • the movement D2 compresses and expels the air contained in the chamber 11x of the piston 11 towards the piston 12 by a non-return valve 304.
  • the two pistons 11, 12 are arranged in series and are interconnected by a non-return valve 304.
  • the movement D2 is accompanied by the movement D20 which by means of the valve 305 transfers air from chamber 12y to chamber 12x.
  • the piston 12 which is substantially half in relation to the volume of the piston 11.
  • non-return valve 305 is disposed on the head 12c of the piston 12. Compliance with this constructive arrangement makes it possible to obtain a pump which adds the power of compression in each of the pistons 11 and 12 and thus reduce the effort to be produced on the part of the user to fill and pressurize the air in the tank 2.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates a variant of pump 3 in which the two pistons 11, 12 are arranged in parallel.
  • Each room 11x and 11y and 12x, 12y belonging respectively to pistons 11 and 12 is directly supplied with air by the external air intake 250 by via a non-return valve 306 respectively for each piston chamber 1 ly.
  • Simultaneous movements D2, D20 or D1, D10 compress the air in one of the each piston 11, 12 which is evacuated by means of a non-return valve on the tank 2.
  • the two pistons 11, 12 supply only and directly the reservoir 2 and each of the chambers 11x, 11y, 12x, 12y of each piston 11, 12 is connected to the reservoir 2 by a non-return valve 307.
  • This embodiment using direct air compression, remains relatively efficient because the pistons 11, 12 compress the gas at the same time during the compression phase (D1, D20) and the expansion phase (D2, D10) of the pistons 11, 12. This makes it possible to reduce the physical work that the user must produce to perform the pumping.
  • the pump 3 comprises only one piston 11 which is actuated by the pedal 14 collaborating with the foot P of the user.
  • the piston 11 supplies compressed gas directly to the reservoir 2 via an orifice 251.
  • the pump 3 illustrated in Figure 3a has a conventional construction and known according to which the pedal 14 is pivotally mounted relative to the diving unit 1, about an axis 114 while the piston 11 is pivotally mounted on one side relative to the diving unit 1 around of the axis 116 and on the other side with respect to the pedal 14 around the axis 115.
  • the pump 3 is positioned substantially on the periphery of the diving unit 1 and outside the tank 2 so that that the axis 114 of articulation of the pedal 14 is disposed substantially distant from the periphery of the diving block 1. Compliance with this constructive arrangement facilitates actuation of the pump 3 by the foot P of the user since as illustrated in the figure 3A, the user can place one foot P on the pedal 14 and the other foot P2 on the support (S) on which is pressed the diving block 1.
  • the feet P and P2 are not spaced apart in the front-rear direction of the user which makes it easier to balance the user when pumping and thus indirectly reduce the fatigue induced by said pumping.
  • the diving unit 1 comprises the shoulder straps 50 which are positioned and fixed on the rear face 101 which are intended to enter contact with the user's back.
  • the pedal 14 of the pump 3 is positioned on the front face 100 of the diving unit 1 which is located opposite the rear face 101 in a housing defined within the perimeter defined by the outer envelope 4. This housing is open towards the outside but it is closed by the pedal 14 which is in the continuity of the front face 100. This construction makes it possible to locate the pump 3 at the location of the belt 204 since the belt 204 is also arranged on the rear face 101.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment according to which the reservoir 2 is removable by in relation to the diving unit 1.
  • the diving unit 1 comprises the pump 3 which is fixed and integrated in the outer casing 4 of the diving unit 1 as well as a carrying means such as suspenders 50.
  • the tank 2 to which the end piece is connected in particular breathing 202 is designed to be separated from the diving unit 1.
  • the tank 2 is complementary to a valve 252 fixed on the diving unit 1. This valve 252 allows transfer the compressed gas from pump 3 to tank 2 when the latter is positioned on the diving block 1.
  • the diving block 1 will include advantageously a housing 260 substantially complementary to the external shape of the tank 2, this housing being open towards the outside but not exceeding the perimeter general of the external envelope 4.
  • the diving unit 1 includes a removable fixing means 10 capable of ensuring the holding of the tank 2 on the diving unit 1 as well as a possible separation of the tank 2 relative to the diving unit 1.
  • the removable fixing means 10 can be in particular produced by an envelope 10a which is kept tight around the tank 2 by a tightening loop 10b.
  • This embodiment makes it possible in particular to separate the tank 2 from the diving unit 1 for bring the tank near a compressor to quickly fill the tank 2.
  • the invention is not limited to the use of the pumps described. Anything which hand pump system, in particular with axial operation by translation or rotary, can be used in the invention.
  • the pump 3 can be advantageously moved by a non-human energy such as solar, electric energy or even energy released by combustion.
  • This operating mode of the pump 3 remains complementary to the mode actuation by human force, and allows punctually to fill more quickly the tank.
  • the modes of production of non-human energy are known per se and can be attached to the diving block, such as solar panels, or be independent of the diving block such as a mechanical actuation system rod 31 including an electric motor.
  • pump 3 can be either moved by the action of at least one hand or at least one foot of the user, or be driven by non-human energy.
  • the diving unit 1 may include an additional pump which is driven by an energy which is not human but which is independent of the human action pump 3.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Compressors, Vaccum Pumps And Other Relevant Systems (AREA)

Abstract

A manual pump (3) is housed within an outer case (4) and outside a gas tank (2) for compressing gas in the tank.

Description

La présente invention concerne un bloc de plongée autonome à rechargement par action humaine destiné à pratiquer notamment, mais de façon non limitative, la plongée à faible profondeur.The present invention relates to an autonomous diving block with recharging by action intended for practicing in particular, but not limited to, diving at low depth.

Dans l'art antérieur, il existe des dispositifs qui sont remplis par l'action de l'utilisateur. Le document US 2 906 263 décrit un réservoir d'air destiné à être porté sur le dos de l'utilisateur, auquel est fixée extérieurement une pompe manuelle. De plus, la pompe manuelle peut pivoter par rapport au réservoir afin de permettre un rechargement lorsque le réservoir est positionné sur le dos de l'utilisateur. Cependant durant la phase de plongée, la pompe risque de s'accrocher notamment dans les algues et de compromettre ainsi la sécurité du plongeur. De même, durant les transports hors de l'eau, la pompe qui est en proéminence par rapport au réservoir, risque de s'accrocher et/ou de subir les chocs qui risqueraient d'endommager la jonction entre la pompe et le réservoir. Un tel endommagement risquerait, durant la phase de plongée, d'induire une fuite au niveau du réservoir et donc de compromettre gravement la sécurité du plongeur.In the prior art, there are devices which are filled by the action of the user. The document US 2,906,263 describes an air tank intended to be carried on the back of the user, which is externally attached to a manual pump. In addition, the hand pump can rotate relative to the tank to allow recharging when the tank is positioned on the user's back. However during the diving phase, the pump may cling especially in algae and thus compromise the safety of the diver. Of even, during transport out of the water, the pump which is in prominence compared to the tank, risk of catching and / or being subjected to shocks which could damage the junction between the pump and the tank. Such damage would risk, during the diving, induce a leak at the tank and therefore seriously compromise the diver safety.

Un des buts de l'invention est donc de remédier aux inconvénients précédents tout en limitant les problèmes d'étanchéité.One of the aims of the invention is therefore to remedy the above drawbacks while limiting sealing problems.

Pour atteindre ces objectifs, le bloc de plongée autonome comprend une pompe à action humaine qui est intégrée dans le bloc de plongée. Cette pompe est positionnée à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe externe du bloc de plongée qui intègre également un réservoir.To achieve these objectives, the scuba diving unit includes an action pump which is integrated into the diving block. This pump is positioned inside the outer casing of the diving unit which also incorporates a tank.

De plus la pompe à action humaine est positionnée à l'extérieur du réservoir ce qui permet de réduire les problèmes d'étanchéité au niveau de la jonction entre la pompe et le réservoir.In addition, the human action pump is positioned outside the tank which allows reduce sealing problems at the junction between the pump and the tank.

Dans un premier mode de réalisation, la pompe est fabriquée indépendamment du bloc de plongée puis est positionnée dans le bloc de plongée.In a first embodiment, the pump is manufactured independently of the block of then is positioned in the diving block.

Dans un second mode de réalisation, la pompe utilise pour son fonctionnement des composants du bloc de plongée.In a second embodiment, the pump uses, for its operation, components of the diving unit.

Dans un troisième mode de réalisation, la pompe est partiellement intégrée au bloc de plongée.In a third embodiment, the pump is partially integrated into the block of diving.

Dans certains des modes de réalisation, la pompe est une pompe manuelle, que l'utilisateur actionne avec les bras, dans d'autres modes, la pompe est une pompe actionnée aux pieds.In some of the embodiments, the pump is a manual pump, which the user operates with the arms, in other modes, the pump is a foot-operated pump.

L'invention sera mieux comprise et d'autres avantages de celle-ci apparaítront à l'aide de la description qui fait référence aux dessins en annexe. La description illustre, à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, certains modes de réalisation préférés.The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear with the aid of the description which refers to the attached drawings. The description illustrates, by way of examples non-limiting, certain preferred embodiments.

La figure 1 représente schématiquement une vue avant du bloc de plongée.Figure 1 shows schematically a front view of the diving unit.

La figure 2 représente schématiquement une coupe transversale du bloc de plongée selon le premier mode de réalisation.Figure 2 schematically shows a cross section of the diving block according to the first embodiment.

La figure 3 représente schématiquement une coupe transversale du bloc de plongée selon une variante du premier mode de réalisation. Figure 3 schematically shows a cross section of the diving block according to a variant of the first embodiment.

La figure 4 représente schématiquement une coupe transversale du bloc de plongée selon le deuxième mode de réalisation.Figure 4 schematically shows a cross section of the diving block according to the second embodiment.

La figure 5 représente schématiquement une vue en perspective de côté du bloc de plongée selon le troisième mode de réalisation.FIG. 5 schematically represents a side perspective view of the diving unit according to the third embodiment.

La figure 6 représente schématiquement une vue de face, de l'avant d'un bloc de plongée selon un quatrième mode de réalisation équipé d'une pompe à pied à deux pistons.FIG. 6 schematically represents a front view, from the front of a diving unit according to a fourth embodiment equipped with a two-piston foot pump.

La figure 6A représente schématiquement une vue de côté du bloc de plongée illustré à la figure 6. Cette vue comprend des arrachés au niveau de la pompe ainsi qu'au niveau du haut du bloc.FIG. 6A schematically represents a side view of the diving unit illustrated in the figure 6. This view includes cutouts at the level of the pump as well as at the top of the block.

La figure 7 représente schématiquement une vue de face, de l'arrière d'un bloc de plongée selon une déclinaison du quatrième mode de réalisation équipé d'une pompe à pied à deux pistons.FIG. 7 schematically represents a front view, from the rear of a diving unit according to a variation of the fourth embodiment equipped with a two-foot foot pump pistons.

La figure 7A représente schématiquement une vue de côté, avec un arraché au niveau de la pompe, du bloc de plongée illustré à la figure 7.FIG. 7A schematically represents a side view, with a cutaway at the level of the pump, of the diving unit illustrated in figure 7.

La figure 8 représente schématiquement une vue de face, de l'avant d'un bloc de plongée équipé d'une pompe à pied à un piston.FIG. 8 schematically represents a front view, from the front of a diving unit fitted with a one-piston foot pump.

La figure 8A représente schématiquement une vue de côté, avec un arraché au niveau de la pompe, du bloc de plongée illustré à la figure 8.FIG. 8A schematically represents a side view, with a cutaway at the level of the pump, of the diving unit illustrated in figure 8.

La figure 9 représente schématiquement une vue de côté d'un détail de la pompe illustré aux figures 6 à 7A.Figure 9 schematically shows a side view of a detail of the illustrated pump in Figures 6 to 7A.

La figure 10 représente un schéma de fonctionnement du bloc de plongée selon le quatrième mode de réalisation et selon un mode de raccordement des pistons en série.FIG. 10 represents a diagram of operation of the diving unit according to the fourth embodiment and according to a mode of connection of the pistons in series.

La figure 11 représente un schéma de fonctionnement du bloc de plongée selon le quatrième mode de réalisation et selon un mode de raccordement des pistons en parallèle.FIG. 11 represents a diagram of operation of the diving unit according to the fourth embodiment and according to a method of connecting the pistons in parallel.

La figure 12 représente schématiquement une vue en perspective avant du second mode de réalisation.FIG. 12 schematically represents a front perspective view of the second mode of production.

On définit le bloc de plongée autonome 1 comme un ensemble de respiration permettant à un plongeur de respirer sous l'eau de façon autonome sans aucune nécessité de lien avec la surface.The scuba diving unit 1 is defined as a breathing unit allowing a diver to breathe underwater independently without any need to link with the area.

Le bloc de plongée autonome 1 comprend au moins un réservoir 2 destiné à contenir un gaz sous pression et éventuellement un dispositif de portage. Le réservoir 2 comprend un orifice de remplissage 203 et un orifice de sortie 206 sur lequel est connecté un embout de respiration 202 qui permet à l'utilisateur de respirer le gaz contenu dans le réservoir 2. Un détendeur peut être avantageusement positionné entre le réservoir 2 et l'embout de respiration 202. Le détendeur permet de diminuer la pression du gaz contenu dans le réservoir 2 afin de le rendre respirable par le plongeur.The autonomous diving unit 1 comprises at least one tank 2 intended to contain a gas under pressure and possibly a carrying device. The tank 2 includes an orifice filling 203 and an outlet 206 to which a breathing nozzle is connected 202 which allows the user to breathe the gas contained in the tank 2. A regulator can advantageously be positioned between the reservoir 2 and the breathing nozzle 202. The regulator reduces the pressure of the gas contained in the tank 2 in order to make it breathable by the diver.

Sur la figure 1, le dispositif de portage est représenté par au moins une bretelle 50, 50b et une ceinture 204 qui permettent de solidariser le bloc de plongée 1 sur le dos du plongeur au moins durant la phase de plongée. Bien entendu, le dispositif de portage peut comprendre uniquement une ceinture destinée à porter le bloc de plongée sur les hanches.In FIG. 1, the carrying device is represented by at least one strap 50, 50b and a belt 204 which make it possible to secure the diving block 1 on the back of the diver to the less during the diving phase. Of course, the carrying device can include only a belt intended to carry the diving block on the hips.

De plus le bloc de plongée 1 peut avantageusement comprendre au moins une roue 47, fixée sur l'enveloppe externe 4, afin de constituer un moyen de transport facilitant le transport lorsque celui-ci est hors de l'eau. Ainsi l'utilisateur peut tirer ou pousser le bloc de plongée 1 sur le sol en le faisant rouler. Ce moyen de transport peut compléter ou se substituer au dispositif de portage.In addition, the diving unit 1 can advantageously comprise at least one wheel 47, fixed on the outer casing 4, in order to constitute a means of transport facilitating transport when it is out of the water. So the user can pull or push the diving block 1 on the ground by rolling it. This means of transport can supplement or replace the carrying device.

Le bloc de plongée 1 comprend une pompe manuelle 3 qui permet de comprimer le gaz dans le réservoir 2. Cette pompe 3 est mue par l'action de l'utilisateur qui fournit le travail nécessaire au fonctionnement de la pompe 3 en actionnant la poignée de préhension 30 avec au moins une de ses mains. Afin de faciliter l'actionnement de la pompe 3 et de diminuer la fatigue physique provoquée par le pompage, le bloc de plongée 1 comprendra avantageusement au moins un repose pied 45, 46 positionné dans la partie inférieure 4a du bloc de plongée 1.The diving unit 1 includes a manual pump 3 which makes it possible to compress the gas in the reservoir 2. This pump 3 is driven by the action of the user who provides the work necessary for the operation of the pump 3 by actuating the grip handle 30 with at least one of his hands. In order to facilitate the actuation of pump 3 and to reduce the physical fatigue caused by pumping, diving block 1 will include advantageously at least one footrest 45, 46 positioned in the lower part 4a of the diving block 1.

Dans le mode de réalisation préféré et illustré à la figure 1, le bloc de plongée 1 comprend une enveloppe externe 4 qui englobe notamment le réservoir 2. Cette enveloppe externe 4 définit une limite physique externe du bloc de plongée 1 et permet de limiter les risques d'accrochage du bloc de plongée 1 durant la phase de plongée. Cette enveloppe externe 4 aura donc avantageusement une forme ergonomique et lissée ou encore profilée.In the preferred embodiment and illustrated in FIG. 1, the diving unit 1 comprises a outer casing 4 which notably includes the reservoir 2. This outer casing 4 defines an external physical limit of the diving block 1 and makes it possible to limit the risks of snagging of diving unit 1 during the diving phase. This external envelope 4 will therefore have advantageously an ergonomic and smooth or even profiled shape.

Les repose-pieds 45, 46 seront positionnés sur l'extérieur de l'enveloppe externe 4 dans sa partie inférieure 4a et préférentiellement disposés de façon symétrique. L'utilisateur, pour actionner la poignée de préhension 30 de la pompe manuelle 3, positionne ses pieds sur les repose-pieds 45, 46 et stabilise ainsi, par son propre poids, le bloc de plongée 1 durant la phase de pompage.The footrests 45, 46 will be positioned on the outside of the outer casing 4 in its lower part 4a and preferably arranged symmetrically. The user, for actuate the grip handle 30 of the manual pump 3, position its feet on the footrest 45, 46 and thus stabilizes, by its own weight, the diving unit 1 during the pumping phase.

De plus, la pompe manuelle 3 est intégrée dans le bloc de plongée 1 ce qui permet notamment d'enchaíner les plongées sans avoir à revenir à son point de départ et sans nécessiter l'accès à un compresseur. Cette intégration dans le bloc de plongée 1 permet également de limiter les risques d'accrochage de la pompe durant les plongées et également durant les déplacements du bloc de plongée 1.In addition, the manual pump 3 is integrated in the diving unit 1 which allows in particular to dive without having to return to its starting point and without requiring access to a compressor. This integration into the diving unit 1 also makes it possible to limit the risk of the pump catching during the dives and also during the movements of the diving block 1.

Selon l'invention, la pompe 3 est positionnée à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe externe 4 du bloc de plongée 1. Cependant la poignée de préhension 30 de la pompe manuelle 3 est positionnée de manière à être accessible depuis l'extérieur de l'enveloppe externe 4, afin de permettre l'actionnement de la pompe manuelle 3. De plus la pompe manuelle 3 est positionnée à l'extérieur du réservoir 2, ce qui limite les problèmes d'étanchéité en limitant le nombre des joints et la longueur de ces joints tant au niveau de la pompe 3 qu'au niveau du réservoir 2.According to the invention, the pump 3 is positioned inside the outer casing 4 of the block of plunge 1. However, the grip handle 30 of the manual pump 3 is positioned so as to be accessible from the outside of the external envelope 4, in order to allow actuation of the manual pump 3. In addition, the manual pump 3 is positioned at the exterior of the tank 2, which limits the sealing problems by limiting the number of joints and the length of these joints both at the pump 3 and at the tank 2.

Pour obtenir ce résultat, le bloc de plongée 1, illustré en coupe sur la figure 2, comprend au moins une paroi séparatrice 5 qui délimite au moins deux compartiments 60, 61 dans l'enveloppe externe 4. Ainsi la pompe 3 est positionnée dans l'un des compartiments 60 et le réservoir 2 est positionné dans l'autre compartiment 61. De plus la paroi séparatrice 5 comprend au moins un orifice 10 permettant de relier la pompe 3 au réservoir 2.To obtain this result, the diving unit 1, illustrated in section in FIG. 2, comprises at at least one separating wall 5 which delimits at least two compartments 60, 61 in the outer casing 4. Thus the pump 3 is positioned in one of the compartments 60 and the tank 2 is positioned in the other compartment 61. In addition the separating wall 5 comprises at least one orifice 10 making it possible to connect the pump 3 to the reservoir 2.

Dans le mode de réalisation illustré à la figure 2, l'enveloppe externe 4 constitue au moins une partie de la paroi du réservoir 2. De même la paroi séparatrice 5 constitue au moins une partie de la paroi du réservoir 2. Ainsi le compartiment 61 constitue directement le réservoir 2 dans lequel est stocké le gaz sous pression. L'enveloppe externe 4 devra donc être dimensionnée en conséquence pour résister à la pression intrinsèque du gaz sous pression qui s'applique sur l'intérieur de ces parois.In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the external envelope 4 constitutes at least one part of the wall of the tank 2. Similarly the separating wall 5 constitutes at least a part of the wall of the tank 2. Thus the compartment 61 directly constitutes the tank 2 in which is stored gas under pressure. The outer envelope 4 must therefore be dimensioned in consequence for resisting the intrinsic pressure of the pressurized gas which applies to inside these walls.

Bien entendu, le compartiment 61 peut être également équipé d'un conditionnement interne destiné à accueillir le gaz sous pression tel qu'une bouteille d'aluminium ou encore une enveloppe souple. Ainsi les contraintes engendrées par le gaz sous pression sont reprises par ledit conditionnement interne ce qui permet de réaliser une structure plus légère au niveau de l'enveloppe externe 4.Of course, compartment 61 can also be equipped with internal packaging. intended to receive pressurized gas such as an aluminum bottle or a flexible envelope. Thus the stresses generated by the gas under pressure are taken up by said internal conditioning which makes it possible to produce a lighter structure at the level of the outer casing 4.

Cependant dans ce mode de réalisation, la pompe 3 fonctionne indépendamment du bloc de plongée 1 tout en étant intégré à ce dernier. Le corps de pompe 3b est disposé dans le compartiment 60 du bloc de plongée 1. Ceci signifie que la pompe manuelle 3, notamment au niveau de son corps de pompe 3b, peut être fabriquée indépendamment du bloc de plongée 1. Le respect de cette disposition constructive permet avantageusement de pouvoir faire fabriquer au moins le corps de la pompe 3b par une entreprise spécialisée et de réaliser uniquement l'intégration de la pompe 3 dans le bloc de plongée 1. En effet, afin de minimiser au maximum la dépense physique de l'utilisateur pour effectuer le pompage, on recherchera des pompes de plus en plus performantes notamment au niveau du ou des pistons 32, 33 qui sont positionnés dans le corps de la pompe 3b.However, in this embodiment, the pump 3 operates independently of the block of dive 1 while being integrated into it. The pump body 3b is arranged in the compartment 60 of the diving unit 1. This means that the manual pump 3, in particular at level of its pump body 3b, can be manufactured independently of the diving unit 1. Compliance with this constructive arrangement advantageously makes it possible to be able to manufacture at least the body of the pump 3b by a specialized company and carry out only the integration of pump 3 into the diving unit 1. Indeed, in order to minimize maximum physical expenditure of the user to perform the pumping, we will seek increasingly efficient pumps, in particular at the level of the piston (s) 32, 33 which are positioned in the body of the pump 3b.

Comme le corps de pompe 3b est positionné dans l'enveloppe externe 4, et la poignée de préhension 30 est positionnée à l'extérieur de l'enveloppe externe 4, l'enveloppe externe 4 comprend au moins un orifice 40, 41 par lequel passe une tige 31 qui relie la poignée 30 au corps de la pompe 3b.As the pump body 3b is positioned in the outer casing 4, and the handle of gripping 30 is positioned outside the outer casing 4, the outer casing 4 comprises at least one orifice 40, 41 through which passes a rod 31 which connects the handle 30 to the pump body 3b.

Dans le mode de réalisation présenté à la figure 2, le compartiment 60, qui contient le corps de pompe 3b est étanchéifié. Pour ceci, les orifices 40, 41 sont munis d'un joint d'étanchéité 43 qui permet le mouvement axial de la tige 31 tout en assurant l'étanchéité de l'orifice. De plus la prise d'air d'alimentation de la pompe 3 pourra avantageusement se faire par la tige 31 au niveau de la poignée 30. Le respect de cette disposition constructive permet d'éviter les problèmes d'étanchéité du corps de pompe 3b durant la phase de plongée, face à la pression externe exercée par l'eau durant la plongée. En effet, le compartiment 60 étant étanche, pressurise sensiblement la pression atmosphérique, la différence de pression entre l'intérieur et l'extérieur du compartiment 60 peut être relativement importante. Cependant il faudra réaliser une enveloppe externe 4 apte à supporter cette différence de pression. Bien entendu, une construction de même type peut être envisagée avec une pompe manuelle 3 à fonctionnement rotatif. La pompe manuelle 3 est positionnée dans le compartiment 60, mais la tige 31, qui relie la pompe 3 à un système d'actionnement rotatif pour les mains, est mise en rotation. L'orifice 40 de l'enveloppe externe 4, par lequel passe la tige 31 sera alors muni d'un joint d'étanchéité 43 qui permet le mouvement rotatif de la tige 31 tout en assurant l'étanchéité de l'orifice.In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the compartment 60, which contains the body pump 3b is sealed. For this, the orifices 40, 41 are provided with a seal 43 which allows the axial movement of the rod 31 while ensuring the seal of the orifice. Of plus the intake of air supplying the pump 3 can advantageously be done by the rod 31 at the handle 30. Compliance with this constructive arrangement makes it possible to avoid leaks of the pump body 3b during the diving phase, facing the pressure external force exerted by the water during the dive. Indeed, the compartment 60 being sealed, significantly pressurizes atmospheric pressure, the pressure difference between the interior and the outside of compartment 60 can be relatively large. However it will be necessary to realize an outer casing 4 able to withstand this pressure difference. Of course, a construction of the same type can be envisaged with a manual pump 3 operating rotary. The manual pump 3 is positioned in the compartment 60, but the rod 31, which connects the pump 3 to a rotary actuation system for the hands, is rotated. The orifice 40 of the outer casing 4, through which the rod 31 passes, will then be provided with a seal sealing 43 which allows the rotary movement of the rod 31 while ensuring the sealing of the orifice.

Des essais ont montré que l'enveloppe externe pourrait être avantageusement réalisée en matière thermoplastique chargée en fibres telle que du polyamide chargé en fibre de verre, d'une épaisseur comprise environ entre 1 et 3 millimètres. L'enveloppe externe ainsi réalisée résiste sans problème à des pressions internes d'environ 20 bars pour le compartiment 61 et à des surpressions extérieures, au niveau du compartiment 60, qui correspondent à des plongées d'environ 10 mètres de profondeur. De plus l'emploi de matière injectée permet de réaliser des géométries profilées de l'enveloppe externe 4 afin de diminuer les risques d'accrochage durant la plongée. Bien entendu, d'autres matières, telles que, à titre d'exemple indicatif mais non limitatif, de l'alliage d'aluminium, peuvent être employées.Tests have shown that the external envelope could advantageously be produced in thermoplastic material loaded with fibers such as polyamide loaded with glass fiber, with a thickness of approximately between 1 and 3 millimeters. The external envelope thus produced easily withstands internal pressures of around 20 bar for compartment 61 and external overpressures, at compartment 60, which correspond to dives about 10 meters deep. In addition, the use of injected material makes it possible to carry out profiled geometries of the outer casing 4 in order to reduce the risks of snagging during diving. Of course, other matters, such as, by way of example but not limiting, of aluminum alloy, can be used.

La figure 3 illustre une variante du premier mode de réalisation dans lequel le compartiment 60 n'est pas étanche. Ainsi les orifices 40, 41 dans lesquels passe la tige 31 de la pompe manuelle 3 ne sont pas étanches. Mais afin d'éviter que l'eau ne reste dans le compartiment 60, l'enveloppe externe 4 comprendra avantageusement, au niveau du compartiment 60, un orifice inférieur 44.FIG. 3 illustrates a variant of the first embodiment in which the compartment 60 is not waterproof. Thus the orifices 40, 41 through which the rod 31 of manual pump 3 is not waterproof. But in order to prevent water from remaining in the compartment 60, the outer casing 4 will advantageously include, at the level of the compartment 60, a lower orifice 44.

Cette variante permet de simplifier l'assemblage de la pompe manuelle 3 dans le bloc de plongée 1, cependant elle nécessite l'utilisation d'une pompe 3 plus technique. En effet, la pompe 3 est, durant la phase de plongée, en contact avec l'eau telle que l'eau de mer qui est très corrosive. De plus l'orifice 10 de liaison entre la pompe 3 et le réservoir 2, qui est équipé d'un joint d'étanchéité, est également soumis à cette agression corrosive.This variant simplifies the assembly of the manual pump 3 in the block of dive 1, however it requires the use of a more technical pump 3. Indeed, the pump 3 is, during the diving phase, in contact with water such as sea water which is very corrosive. In addition the connection port 10 between the pump 3 and the tank 2, which is equipped a seal, is also subject to this corrosive attack.

Sur la figure 4, le bloc de plongée 1 est représenté selon la configuration du second mode de réalisation selon lequel la pompe manuelle 3 utilise les parois du bloc de plongée 1 afin d'assurer son fonctionnement. Comme dans le mode de réalisation précédent, le bloc de plongée 1 comprend l'enveloppe externe 4 ainsi que la paroi séparatrice 5 qui délimite le compartiment 61 servant directement de réservoir 2. Cependant le compartiment 60 et la pompe manuelle 3 diffèrent du mode de réalisation précédent.In FIG. 4, the diving unit 1 is represented according to the configuration of the second mode embodiment according to which the manual pump 3 uses the walls of the diving unit 1 in order to ensure its functioning. As in the previous embodiment, the block of dive 1 includes the outer casing 4 and the separating wall 5 which delimits the compartment 61 serving directly as a reservoir 2. However, compartment 60 and the manual pump 3 differ from the previous embodiment.

La pompe manuelle 3 comprend au moins un piston 32 qui comprend un cylindre 32c dans lequel coulisse la tête du piston 32b. La paroi séparatrice 5 constitue au moins une partie de la paroi du cylindre 32c du piston 32 de la pompe 3. De plus l'enveloppe externe 4 constitue également une partie de la paroi du cylindre 32c du piston 32. En fait, le compartiment 60 constitue directement le cylindre 32c du piston 32. La tête de piston 32b, qui est actionnée par la poignée 30, aura donc une forme complémentaire du compartiment 60 afin d'assurer l'étanchéité et le fonctionnement du piston 32. De plus l'étanchéité de la partie haute du piston 32 est assurée par des joints d'étanchéité 43 positionnés dans les orifices 40, 41 par lesquels passe la tige 31 d'actionnement de la pompe manuelle 3. The manual pump 3 comprises at least one piston 32 which comprises a cylinder 32c in which slides the head of the piston 32b. The separating wall 5 constitutes at least part of the wall of cylinder 32c of piston 32 of pump 3. In addition, the outer casing 4 constitutes also part of the wall of the cylinder 32c of the piston 32. In fact, the compartment 60 directly constitutes the cylinder 32c of the piston 32. The piston head 32b, which is actuated by the handle 30, will therefore have a shape complementary to the compartment 60 in order to ensure the tightness and operation of the piston 32. In addition, the tightness of the upper part of the piston 32 is provided by seals 43 positioned in the orifices 40, 41 through which passes the rod 31 for actuating the manual pump 3.

Dans ce mode de réalisation, le piston 32 est délimité à sa base par une paroi 60b disposée sensiblement horizontale qui est positionné sensiblement au-dessus de l'orifice 10 alimentant le réservoir 2. La paroi 60b comprend un orifice 60c duquel part un tuyau 62 qui est relié à l'orifice 10. Cette disposition permet d'optimiser le fonctionnement de la pompe 3. Bien entendu, le compartiment 60 peut être scindé, grâce au moins à une paroi séparatrice supplémentaire, en au moins deux pistons. Ces pistons restent délimités en partie par l'enveloppe extérieure 4. Afin de satisfaire à la nécessité de complémentarité entre la tête de piston 32b et le compartiment 60 notamment dans le cadre d'une pompe 3 à deux pistons, l'enveloppe externe 4 peut être avantageusement réalisée en matériaux thermoformés tels que décrits précédemment.In this embodiment, the piston 32 is delimited at its base by a wall 60b arranged substantially horizontal which is positioned substantially above the orifice 10 supplying the tank 2. The wall 60b comprises an orifice 60c from which a pipe 62 which is connected to the orifice 10. This arrangement makes it possible to optimize the operation of the pump 3. Good of course, the compartment 60 can be divided, thanks at least to a separating wall additional, in at least two pistons. These pistons are partially delimited by the outer casing 4. In order to satisfy the need for complementarity between the head of piston 32b and compartment 60 in particular in the context of a pump 2 with two pistons, the outer casing 4 can advantageously be made of thermoformed materials such as described previously.

Sur la figure 5, le bloc de plongée 1 est représenté selon le troisième mode de réalisation selon lequel l'enveloppe extérieure 4 constitue une protection partielle de la pompe manuelle 3. Le bloc de plongée 1 comprend toujours le réservoir 2 qui est englobé dans l'enveloppe externe 4. Le bloc de plongée 1 comprend également la pompe manuelle 3 qui est disposée à l'extérieur de l'enveloppe externe 4. L'enveloppe externe 4 s'étend latéralement, selon au moins une excroissance 100, 101. La pompe 3 est fixée à l'enveloppe externe 4 de façon à être recouverte, au moins en partie, par l'excroissance 100,101.In FIG. 5, the diving unit 1 is represented according to the third embodiment according to which the outer casing 4 constitutes partial protection of the manual pump 3. The diving unit 1 always includes the tank 2 which is included in the envelope external 4. The diving unit 1 also includes the manual pump 3 which is arranged at the exterior of the external envelope 4. The external envelope 4 extends laterally, according to minus a protrusion 100, 101. The pump 3 is fixed to the outer casing 4 so as to be covered, at least in part, by the protrusion 100.101.

Dans le mode de réalisation illustré à la figure 5, l'enveloppe externe 4 comprend deux excroissances 100, 101 qui s'étendent latéralement selon un plan sensiblement parallèle à la face arrière 1b du bloc de plongée, destinées à être en contact avec le dos de l'utilisateur. Les excroissances 100,101 qui sont disposées avantageusement respectivement selon le prolongement de la face avant 1a et de la face arrière 1b, forment un logement 103 destiné à accueillir la pompe manuelle 3. Ces excroissances 100 et 101 permettent d'intégrer la pompe manuelle 3 dans le bloc de plongée 1, bien que la pompe 3 soit positionnée à l'extérieur de l'enveloppe externe 4. En effet, les excroissances 100, 101, en recouvrant au moins en partie la pompe 3, limitent les risques d'accrochage de la pompe durant la phase de plongée.In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the external envelope 4 comprises two protuberances 100, 101 which extend laterally along a plane substantially parallel to the rear face 1b of the diving unit, intended to be in contact with the user's back. The growths 100,101 which are arranged advantageously respectively according to the extension of the front face 1a and the rear face 1b, form a housing 103 intended for accommodate the manual pump 3. These protuberances 100 and 101 make it possible to integrate the pump manual 3 in the diving unit 1, although the pump 3 is positioned outside the external envelope 4. In fact, the protuberances 100, 101, covering at least partially the pump 3, limit the risk of the pump catching during the diving phase.

Afin de parfaire cette fonction, la poignée de préhension 30 sera avantageusement, en position rentrée, intégrée dans le bloc de plongée 1. Ainsi en position rétractée, lorsque la tige 31 est complètement rentrée dans le piston 32, 33, la poignée 30 sort le moins possible de la forme globale définie par l'enveloppe externe 4 et est en continuité avec celle-ci. De plus la poignée de préhension 30 comprendra avantageusement un moyen de fermeture 48 complémentaire du bloc de plongée 1 permettant de maintenir la poignée 30 en position rentrée. Ce moyen de fermeture est illustré par une sangle 48 fixée respectivement à chacune de ces extrémités sur l'une des faces la, 1b de l'enveloppe externe 4 et qui passe dans la poignée 30. La sangle 48 dispose d'un moyen de réglage 49 qui permet de maintenir la poignée 30, en position rentrée, contre l'enveloppe externe 4. Ainsi durant la phase de plongée, la poignée 30 est positionnée et maintenue en position fermée permettant donc de limiter les risques d'accrochages du bloc de plongée 1 avec des éléments extérieurs audit bloc. In order to perfect this function, the grip handle 30 will advantageously be, in retracted position, integrated in the diving unit 1. Thus in the retracted position, when the rod 31 is fully retracted into the piston 32, 33, the handle 30 comes out as little as possible from the overall shape defined by the external envelope 4 and is in continuity with it. Furthermore the grip 30 will advantageously include a closure means 48 complementary to the diving block 1 allowing the handle 30 to be held in position September. This closing means is illustrated by a strap 48 fixed respectively to each of these ends on one of the faces 1a, 1b of the outer casing 4 and which passes through the handle 30. The strap 48 has an adjustment means 49 which makes it possible to maintain the handle 30, in the retracted position, against the outer casing 4. Thus during the diving, the handle 30 is positioned and held in the closed position, thus making it possible to limit the risks of snagging of the diving block 1 with elements external to said block.

Dans le quatrième mode de réalisation de l'invention illustré sur les figures 6 et 6A, la pompe 3 est une pompe à pied qui, selon l'invention, est fixée sur le bloc de plongée 1 et intégrée dans ce dernier, c'est-à-dire intégrée dans l'encombrement de l'enveloppe externe 4 qui contient aussi le réservoir 2, mais elle est agencée à l'extérieur de ce dernier.In the fourth embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 6A, the pump 3 is a foot pump which, according to the invention, is fixed to the diving unit 1 and integrated into the latter, that is to say integrated into the size of the outer casing 4 which also contains the reservoir 2, but it is arranged outside of the latter.

Le réservoir d'air 2 pourra être avantageusement équipé d'un dispositif de mesure de la pression 201 qui mesure la pression du gaz dans le réservoir 2 et qui indique indirectement l'autonomie de respiration restante dans le réservoir 2.The air tank 2 may advantageously be equipped with a device for measuring the pressure 201 which measures the pressure of the gas in the tank 2 and which indicates indirectly the breathing autonomy remaining in the tank 2.

La pompe 3 n'est reliée au réservoir 2 que par l'intermédiaire d'au moins un orifice de remplissage 207. Cet orifice de remplissage 207 permet de remplir et de mettre sous pression le gaz à l'intérieur du réservoir 2 par l'action de la pompe 3. Quant à l'orifice de remplissage 203, qui est également connecté sur le réservoir 2, il est destiné à être connecté à un compresseur pour assurer éventuellement un remplissage occasionnel du réservoir 2.The pump 3 is connected to the tank 2 only through at least one orifice of filling 207. This filling orifice 207 makes it possible to fill and pressurize the gas inside the tank 2 by the action of the pump 3. As for the filling orifice 203, which is also connected to the tank 2, it is intended to be connected to a compressor to possibly ensure occasional filling of the tank 2.

La pompe 3 comprend une pédale 14 qui permet de transmettre la force motrice exercée par les pieds P de l'utilisateur à la pompe 3. Cette pédale 14 est montée pivotante autour d'un axe 20 qui est, dans cette configuration constructive, orienté sensiblement selon l'axe longitudinal du bloc de plongée 1. La pédale 14 est reliée à au moins une de ses extrémités 21, 22 à un piston 11, 12. Comme la pompe 3 comprend deux pistons 11, 12, l'extrémité 21 est reliée au piston 11 et l'extrémité 22 est reliée au piston 12 selon un mode de fonctionnement qui sera détaillé ultérieurement.The pump 3 comprises a pedal 14 which makes it possible to transmit the motive force exerted by the feet P of the user at the pump 3. This pedal 14 is pivotally mounted around a axis 20 which is, in this constructive configuration, oriented substantially along the axis longitudinal of the diving unit 1. The pedal 14 is connected to at least one of its ends 21, 22 to a piston 11, 12. As the pump 3 comprises two pistons 11, 12, the end 21 is connected to the piston 11 and the end 22 is connected to the piston 12 according to an operating mode which will be detailed later.

De plus, la pédale 14 de la pompe 3 est positionnée sensiblement sur la face avant 100 du bloc de plongée 1 qui est située à l'opposé de la face arrière 101 sur laquelle sont implantées les bretelles 50. Ainsi pour actionner la pompe 3, l'utilisateur couche le bloc de plongée contre un support S, tel que le sol, avec la face arrière 101 en appui contre ce support S. Puis l'utilisateur monte sur le bloc de plongée 1, au niveau de la pédale 14. Ainsi le bloc de plongée 1 se trouve intercalé entre le pied P de l'utilisateur et le support S. Comme la puissance nécessaire au fonctionnement de la pompe 3 est fournie par les jambes de l'utilisateur, cette puissance utilise également le poids de l'utilisateur. Cette disposition constructive permet de remplir et de comprimer l'air dans le réservoir 2 à la pression nécessaire à la plongée sans fournir trop d'effort ni épuiser physiquement l'utilisateur.In addition, the pedal 14 of the pump 3 is positioned substantially on the front face 100 of the diving unit 1 which is located opposite the rear face 101 on which are located the straps 50. So to activate the pump 3, the user folds the diving block against a support S, such as the ground, with the rear face 101 in abutment against this support S. Then the user climbs on the diving block 1, at the level of the pedal 14. Thus the diving block 1 is interposed between the user's foot P and the support S. As the power necessary for the operation of the pump 3 is supplied by the legs of the user, this power also uses the weight of the user. This constructive arrangement allows fill and compress the air in tank 2 to the pressure necessary for diving without put too much effort or physically exhaust the user.

Dans le mode de réalisation décrit aux figures 6 et 6A, la pompe 3 est positionnée à l'intérieur du périmètre défini par l'enveloppe externe 4, en dessous du réservoir 2 et sensiblement au niveau de la ceinture 204. Cette disposition permet notamment de concentrer la charge au niveau de la ceinture ce qui facilite le portage, hors de l'eau, du bloc de plongée 1. De plus, la ceinture 204 comprendra avantageusement au moins une poche 205 destinée à contenir du lest, tel que des cailloux. Bien entendu, le lest peut être également positionné directement dans le bloc de plongée 1 notamment au niveau d'un compartiment fermé qui serait aménagé dans l'enveloppe externe 4 du bloc de plongée 1.In the embodiment described in FIGS. 6 and 6A, the pump 3 is positioned at inside the perimeter defined by the external envelope 4, below the tank 2 and substantially at the waist 204. This arrangement makes it possible in particular to concentrate the load at the level of the belt which facilitates the porting, out of the water, of the diving unit 1. In addition, the belt 204 will advantageously include at least one pocket 205 intended for contain ballast, such as pebbles. Of course, the ballast can also be positioned directly in the diving unit 1, in particular at the level of a closed compartment which would be fitted in the outer casing 4 of the diving unit 1.

Les figures 7 et 7A représentent une déclinaison de réalisation selon laquelle la pédale 14 est positionnée sur la face arrière 101 sur laquelle sont également positionnées les bretelles 50. FIGS. 7 and 7A represent a variation of embodiment according to which the pedal 14 is positioned on the rear face 101 on which the straps 50 are also positioned.

Comme la ceinture 204 peut avantageusement recouvrir la partie basse de la face arrière 101 du bloc de plongée 1 afin d'améliorer le confort de portage, la pompe 3 sera positionnée sensiblement au centre de la face arrière 101 dans un logement 103 qui est refermé par la pédale 14. Ainsi la pompe 3 est entourée par le réservoir 2 comme illustré à la figure 7A.As the belt 204 can advantageously cover the lower part of the rear face 101 diving unit 1 to improve carrying comfort, pump 3 will be positioned substantially in the center of the rear face 101 in a housing 103 which is closed by the pedal 14. Thus the pump 3 is surrounded by the reservoir 2 as illustrated in FIG. 7A.

Afin de ne pas heurter le dos durant le portage du bloc de plongée 1, l'axe 20 de la pompe 3 sera avantageusement positionnée entre la face avant 100 et la face arrière 101. Ainsi lors du portage, la pédale 14 sera maintenue par un dispositif approprié en position stable sensiblement parallèle à la face arrière 101. Le respect de cette disposition constructive permet de maintenir dans un état stabilisé, la pédale 14 en retrait du dos de l'utilisateur.In order not to strike the back during the porting of the diving unit 1, the axis 20 of the pump 3 will advantageously be positioned between the front face 100 and the rear face 101. Thus during the carried, the pedal 14 will be held by a suitable device in a stable position substantially parallel to the rear face 101. Compliance with this constructive arrangement allows to maintain in a stabilized state, the pedal 14 set back from the user's back.

Pour remplir le réservoir 2, l'utilisateur pose le bloc de plongée 1 avec sa face avant 100 en appui contre le support S. Puis il monte sur le bloc de plongée 1 avec ses pieds, au niveau de la pédale 14, sur la face arrière 101.To fill the tank 2, the user places the diving unit 1 with its front face 100 in support against the support S. Then he climbs on the diving block 1 with his feet, at the level of the pedal 14, on the rear face 101.

Pour actionner la pompe 3, l'utilisateur exerce alternativement et de façon répétitive sur sa jambe gauche une force F1 puis sur sa jambe droite une force F2. Cet enchaínement d'actions permet de faire pivoter la pédale 14 autour de l'axe 20 dans un mouvement de basculement oscillant. Cette pédale 4 entraíne de façon alternative les pistons 11, 12 de la pompe 3.To activate the pump 3, the user alternately and repeatedly exercises on his left leg a force F1 then on his right leg a force F2. This sequence of actions rotates the pedal 14 around the axis 20 in a tilting movement oscillating. This pedal 4 alternately drives the pistons 11, 12 of the pump 3.

La figure 9 illustre un détail de la pompe 3 utilisée dans le mode de réalisation illustré aux figures 6 à 7a.FIG. 9 illustrates a detail of the pump 3 used in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 to 7a.

La pompe 3 comprend deux pistons 11, 12 qui sont positionnés dans des plans différents. Les pistons 11, 12 qui travaillent de façon axiale, sont montés pivotant respectivement autour d'un axe 111, 112 étant eux-mêmes fixés sur l'enveloppe externe du bloc de plongée 1. De plus la pédale 4 est montée pivotante autour de l'axe 20 qui est monté dans un bras 113 lui-même fixé sur le bloc de plongée 1. Bien entendu les axes 111, 112 ainsi que le bras 113 peuvent être fixés sur le réservoir 2.The pump 3 comprises two pistons 11, 12 which are positioned in different planes. The pistons 11, 12 which work axially, are pivotally mounted around a axis 111, 112 being themselves fixed on the outer casing of the diving unit 1. In addition, the pedal 4 is pivotally mounted around axis 20 which is mounted in an arm 113 which is itself fixed on the diving unit 1. Of course the axes 111, 112 as well as the arm 113 can be attached to the tank 2.

Afin de respecter la cinématique de fonctionnement par pivotement de la pédale 14, une extrémité 22 de la pédale 14 est reliée au piston 12 par l'intermédiaire d'un axe 22a. De même l'autre extrémité 21 de la pédale 4 est reliée au piston 11 par l'intermédiaire d'un axe 21 a. Les extrémités 21, 22 sont respectivement reliées aux bras 1 la, 12a qui coulissent axialement dans les chambres 11b, 12b des pistons 11, 12 et qui compriment le gaz.In order to respect the operating kinematics by pivoting the pedal 14, a end 22 of the pedal 14 is connected to the piston 12 via a pin 22a. Likewise the other end 21 of the pedal 4 is connected to the piston 11 via a pin 21 a. The ends 21, 22 are respectively connected to arms 11a, 12a which slide axially in the chambers 11b, 12b of the pistons 11, 12 and which compress the gas.

De plus les axes 111, 112 et 22a, 21a et 20 présentent sensiblement la même direction d'orientation afin de respecter la cinématique de la pompe 3. La cinématique de la pompe 3 produit des mouvements simultanés des bras 11a, 12a par rapport à leur piston respectif 11, 12. Lorsque le bras 1 la rentre dans le piston 11 à savoir un déplacement D1, le bras 12a sort du piston 12 à savoir un déplacement D10. Ainsi le déplacement D1 est simultané à D10 et inversement le déplacement D2 est simultané au déplacement D20.In addition the axes 111, 112 and 22a, 21a and 20 have substantially the same direction orientation to respect the kinematics of pump 3. The kinematics of pump 3 produces simultaneous movements of the arms 11a, 12a with respect to their respective piston 11, 12. When the arm 1 enters it into the piston 11, namely a displacement D1, the arm 12a comes out of the piston 12, namely a displacement D10. Thus displacement D1 is simultaneous with D10 and conversely, displacement D2 is simultaneous with displacement D20.

La figure 10 illustre un schéma de principe de fonctionnement du bloc de plongée 1 lorsque les deux pistons 11, 12 sont disposés en série. Une prise d'air 250 permet d'alimenter en air, en provenance de l'extérieur du bloc de plongée 1, le piston 11 par l'intermédiaire de deux clapets anti-retour 300, 301 qui alimentent respectivement la chambre supérieure 11x et la chambre inférieure 11y du piston 11. Les chambres 11y et 11x voient leur volume varié en fonction de la position de la tête 11c dans le piston 11.FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of the operation of the diving unit 1 when the two pistons 11, 12 are arranged in series. An air intake 250 makes it possible to supply air, coming from outside the diving unit 1, the piston 11 by means of two valves non-return 300, 301 which supply the upper chamber 11x and the chamber respectively lower 11y of the piston 11. The chambers 11y and 11x see their volume varied according to the position of the head 11c in the piston 11.

La pédale d'actionnement de la pompe provoque sur les deux bras 11a et 12a respectivement soit des déplacements simultanés D2 et D20 soit les déplacements simultanés D1 et D10.The pump actuation pedal causes on the two arms 11a and 12a respectively either simultaneous displacements D2 and D20 or simultaneous displacements D1 and D10.

Le mouvement D1 provoque un remplissage d'air de la chambre 11x et une mise sous pression de l'air contenu dans la chambre 11y qui est expulsé directement dans le réservoir 2 par un clapet anti-retour 302.Movement D1 causes air filling of chamber 11x and pressurization air contained in the chamber 11y which is expelled directly into the tank 2 by a non-return valve 302.

Le mouvement D1 s'accompagne du mouvement D10 qui comprime et expulse directement l'air contenu dans la chambre 12x du piston 12 dans le réservoir 2 par un clapet anti-retour 303.The D1 movement is accompanied by the D10 movement which compresses and expels directly the air contained in the chamber 12x of the piston 12 in the tank 2 by a non-return valve 303.

Le mouvement D2 comprime et expulse l'air contenu dans la chambre 11x du piston 11 vers le piston 12 par un clapet anti-retour 304. En effet, les deux pistons 11, 12 sont disposés en série et sont reliés entre eux par un clapet anti-retour 304.The movement D2 compresses and expels the air contained in the chamber 11x of the piston 11 towards the piston 12 by a non-return valve 304. Indeed, the two pistons 11, 12 are arranged in series and are interconnected by a non-return valve 304.

Le mouvement D2 s'accompagne du mouvement D20 qui par l'intermédiaire du clapet 305 transfère l'air de la chambre 12y vers la chambre 12x.The movement D2 is accompanied by the movement D20 which by means of the valve 305 transfers air from chamber 12y to chamber 12x.

De plus, pour bénéficier du positionnement en série des pistons, le piston 12, qui est sensiblement de moitié en rapport au volume du piston 11.In addition, to benefit from the series positioning of the pistons, the piston 12, which is substantially half in relation to the volume of the piston 11.

En effet le clapet anti-retour 305 est disposé sur la tête 12c du piston 12. Le respect de cette disposition constructive permet d'obtenir une pompe qui additionne la puissance de compression dans chacun des pistons 11 et 12 et ainsi de diminuer l'effort à produire de la part de l'utilisateur pour effectuer le remplissage et la mise sous pression de l'air dans le réservoir 2.Indeed the non-return valve 305 is disposed on the head 12c of the piston 12. Compliance with this constructive arrangement makes it possible to obtain a pump which adds the power of compression in each of the pistons 11 and 12 and thus reduce the effort to be produced on the part of the user to fill and pressurize the air in the tank 2.

La figure 11 illustre une variante de pompe 3 dans laquelle les deux pistons 11, 12 sont disposés en parallèle. Chaque chambre 11x et 11y et 12x, 12y appartenant respectivement aux pistons 11 et 12, est directement alimentée en air par la prise d'air externe 250 par l'intermédiaire d'un clapet anti-retour 306 respectivement pour chaque chambre de piston 1 ly. Les mouvements simultanés D2, D20 ou D1, D10 compriment l'air dans une des chambres de chaque piston 11, 12 qui s'évacue par l'intermédiaire d'un clapet anti-retour sur le réservoir 2. En effet les deux pistons 11, 12 alimentent uniquement et directement le réservoir 2 et chacune des chambres 11x, 11y, 12x, 12y de chaque piston 11, 12 est reliée au réservoir 2 par un clapet anti-retour 307.FIG. 11 illustrates a variant of pump 3 in which the two pistons 11, 12 are arranged in parallel. Each room 11x and 11y and 12x, 12y belonging respectively to pistons 11 and 12, is directly supplied with air by the external air intake 250 by via a non-return valve 306 respectively for each piston chamber 1 ly. Simultaneous movements D2, D20 or D1, D10 compress the air in one of the each piston 11, 12 which is evacuated by means of a non-return valve on the tank 2. Indeed, the two pistons 11, 12 supply only and directly the reservoir 2 and each of the chambers 11x, 11y, 12x, 12y of each piston 11, 12 is connected to the reservoir 2 by a non-return valve 307.

Ce mode de réalisation, utilisant une compression directe de l'air, reste relativement performant car les pistons 11, 12 compriment le gaz à la fois durant la phase de compression (D1, D20) et la phase de détente (D2, D10) des pistons 11, 12. Ceci permet de réduire le travail physique que doit produire l'utilisateur pour réaliser le pompage.This embodiment, using direct air compression, remains relatively efficient because the pistons 11, 12 compress the gas at the same time during the compression phase (D1, D20) and the expansion phase (D2, D10) of the pistons 11, 12. This makes it possible to reduce the physical work that the user must produce to perform the pumping.

Dans le mode de réalisation illustré aux figures 8 et 8a, la pompe 3 ne comprend qu'un seul piston 11 qui est actionné par la pédale 14 collaborant avec le pied P de l'utilisateur. Le piston 11 alimente directement en gaz comprimé le réservoir 2 par l'intermédiaire d'un orifice 251. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8 and 8a, the pump 3 comprises only one piston 11 which is actuated by the pedal 14 collaborating with the foot P of the user. The piston 11 supplies compressed gas directly to the reservoir 2 via an orifice 251.

La pompe 3 illustrée à la figure 3a, présente une construction classique et connue selon laquelle la pédale 14 est montée pivotante par rapport au bloc de plongée 1, autour d'un axe 114 alors que le piston 11 est monté pivotant d'un côté par rapport au bloc de plongée 1 autour de l'axe 116 et de l'autre côté par rapport à la pédale 14 autour de l'axe 115.The pump 3 illustrated in Figure 3a, has a conventional construction and known according to which the pedal 14 is pivotally mounted relative to the diving unit 1, about an axis 114 while the piston 11 is pivotally mounted on one side relative to the diving unit 1 around of the axis 116 and on the other side with respect to the pedal 14 around the axis 115.

Dans le mode de réalisation préféré et illustré à la figure 8, la pompe 3 est positionnée sensiblement à la périphérie du bloc de plongée 1 et à l'extérieur du réservoir 2 de façon à ce que l'axe 114 d'articulation de la pédale 14 soit disposé sensiblement éloigné de la périphérie du bloc de plongée 1. Le respect de cette disposition constructive permet de faciliter l'actionnement de la pompe 3 par le pied P de l'utilisateur puisque comme illustré à la figure 3A, l'utilisateur peut poser un pied P sur la pédale 14 et l'autre pied P2 sur le support (S) sur lequel est appuyé le bloc de plongée 1.In the preferred embodiment and illustrated in FIG. 8, the pump 3 is positioned substantially on the periphery of the diving unit 1 and outside the tank 2 so that that the axis 114 of articulation of the pedal 14 is disposed substantially distant from the periphery of the diving block 1. Compliance with this constructive arrangement facilitates actuation of the pump 3 by the foot P of the user since as illustrated in the figure 3A, the user can place one foot P on the pedal 14 and the other foot P2 on the support (S) on which is pressed the diving block 1.

De plus les pieds P et P2 sont peu écartés selon la direction avant-arrière de l'utilisateur ce qui permet de faciliter l'équilibre de l'utilisateur lors du pompage et ainsi indirectement de diminuer la fatigue induite par ledit pompage.In addition, the feet P and P2 are not spaced apart in the front-rear direction of the user which makes it easier to balance the user when pumping and thus indirectly reduce the fatigue induced by said pumping.

Dans le mode de réalisation illustré aux figures 8 et 8A, le bloc de plongée 1 comprend les bretelles 50 qui sont positionnées et fixées sur la face arrière 101 qui sont destinées à entrer en contact avec le dos de l'utilisateur. De plus la pédale 14 de la pompe 3 est positionnée sur la face avant 100 du bloc de plongée 1 qui est située à l'opposé de la face arrière 101 dans un logement délimité à l'intérieur du périmètre défini par l'enveloppe extérieure 4. Ce logement est ouvert vers l'extérieur mais il est refermé par la pédale 14 qui est dans la continuité de la face avant 100. Cette construction permet de localiser la pompe 3 à l'emplacement de la ceinture 204 puisque la ceinture 204 est disposée également sur la face arrière 101.In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 8A, the diving unit 1 comprises the shoulder straps 50 which are positioned and fixed on the rear face 101 which are intended to enter contact with the user's back. In addition, the pedal 14 of the pump 3 is positioned on the front face 100 of the diving unit 1 which is located opposite the rear face 101 in a housing defined within the perimeter defined by the outer envelope 4. This housing is open towards the outside but it is closed by the pedal 14 which is in the continuity of the front face 100. This construction makes it possible to locate the pump 3 at the location of the belt 204 since the belt 204 is also arranged on the rear face 101.

La figure 12 illustre un autre mode de réalisation selon lequel le réservoir 2 est amovible par rapport au bloc de plongée 1. D'une part le bloc de plongée 1 comprend la pompe 3 qui est fixe et intégrée dans l'enveloppe externe 4 du bloc de plongée 1 ainsi qu'un moyen de portage tel que des bretelles 50. D'un autre côté, le réservoir 2 auquel est relié notamment l'embout de respiration 202 est conçu pour être séparé du bloc de plongée 1. Le réservoir 2 est complémentaire d'une valve 252 fixée sur le bloc de plongée 1. Cette valve 252 permet de transférer le gaz comprimé de la pompe 3 vers le réservoir 2 lorsque celui-ci est positionné sur le bloc de plongée 1. Afin de faciliter ce positionnement, le bloc de plongée 1 comprendra avantageusement un logement 260 sensiblement complémentaire de la forme extérieure du réservoir 2, ce logement étant ouvert vers l'extérieur mais ne dépassant pas du périmètre général de l'enveloppe externe 4.FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment according to which the reservoir 2 is removable by in relation to the diving unit 1. On the one hand the diving unit 1 comprises the pump 3 which is fixed and integrated in the outer casing 4 of the diving unit 1 as well as a carrying means such as suspenders 50. On the other hand, the tank 2 to which the end piece is connected in particular breathing 202 is designed to be separated from the diving unit 1. The tank 2 is complementary to a valve 252 fixed on the diving unit 1. This valve 252 allows transfer the compressed gas from pump 3 to tank 2 when the latter is positioned on the diving block 1. In order to facilitate this positioning, the diving block 1 will include advantageously a housing 260 substantially complementary to the external shape of the tank 2, this housing being open towards the outside but not exceeding the perimeter general of the external envelope 4.

De plus le bloc de plongée 1 comprend un moyen de fixation amovible 10 apte à assurer la tenue du réservoir 2 sur le bloc de plongée 1 ainsi qu'une éventuelle désolidarisation du réservoir 2 par rapport au bloc de plongée 1. Le moyen de fixation amovible 10 peut être notamment réalisé par une enveloppe 10a qui est maintenue serrée autour du réservoir 2 par une boucle de serrage 10b. In addition, the diving unit 1 includes a removable fixing means 10 capable of ensuring the holding of the tank 2 on the diving unit 1 as well as a possible separation of the tank 2 relative to the diving unit 1. The removable fixing means 10 can be in particular produced by an envelope 10a which is kept tight around the tank 2 by a tightening loop 10b.

Ce mode de réalisation permet notamment de séparer le réservoir 2 du bloc de plongée 1 pour amener le réservoir près d'un compresseur afin de réaliser un remplissage rapide du réservoir 2.This embodiment makes it possible in particular to separate the tank 2 from the diving unit 1 for bring the tank near a compressor to quickly fill the tank 2.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée à l'utilisation des pompes décrites. N'importe quel système de pompe à main notamment à fonctionnement axial par translation ou rotatif, peut être utilisé dans l'invention. Ainsi la pompe 3 peut être avantageusement mue par une énergie non humaine telle que l'énergie solaire, électrique ou encore une énergie libérée par une combustion. Ce mode de fonctionnement de la pompe 3 reste complémentaire du mode d'actionnement par la force humaine, et permet ponctuellement de remplir plus rapidement le réservoir. Les modes de production de l'énergie non humaine sont connus en soi et peuvent être fixés sur le bloc de plongée, comme notamment des panneaux solaires, ou encore être indépendants du bloc de plongée comme notamment un système d'actionnement mécanique de la tige 31 incluant un moteur électrique. Selon cette variante de réalisation; la pompe 3 peut être, soit mue par l'action d'au moins une main ou d'au moins un pied de l'utilisateur, soit être mue par une énergie non humaine.Of course, the invention is not limited to the use of the pumps described. Anything which hand pump system, in particular with axial operation by translation or rotary, can be used in the invention. Thus the pump 3 can be advantageously moved by a non-human energy such as solar, electric energy or even energy released by combustion. This operating mode of the pump 3 remains complementary to the mode actuation by human force, and allows punctually to fill more quickly the tank. The modes of production of non-human energy are known per se and can be attached to the diving block, such as solar panels, or be independent of the diving block such as a mechanical actuation system rod 31 including an electric motor. According to this alternative embodiment; pump 3 can be either moved by the action of at least one hand or at least one foot of the user, or be driven by non-human energy.

De même, le bloc de plongée 1 peut comprendre une pompe additionnelle qui est mue par une énergie non humaine mais qui est indépendante de la pompe à action humaine 3.Likewise, the diving unit 1 may include an additional pump which is driven by an energy which is not human but which is independent of the human action pump 3.

De plus, si l'évolution technologique de pompes à action humaine permettait d'augmenter notablement la pression dans le réservoir, le bloc de plongée même utilisé à moyenne et forte profondeur resterait conforme à l'invention.In addition, if the technological evolution of human action pumps allowed to increase notably the pressure in the tank, the diving block even used at medium and strong depth would remain in accordance with the invention.

Bien entendu, la présente invention n'est pas limitée aux modes de réalisations décrits ci-avant, qui ne sont donnés qu'à titre indicatif, mais englobe tous les modes de réalisation similaires ou équivalents.Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, which are given for information only, but encompasses all embodiments similar or equivalent.

Claims (17)

Bloc de plongée (1) autonome comprenant : au moins un réservoir (2) destiné à contenir un gaz sous pression une pompe à action humaine (3) permettant de comprimer le gaz dans le réservoir (2) caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une enveloppe externe (4) qui englobe notamment le réservoir (2) et en ce que la pompe (3) est positionnée à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe externe (4) du bloc de plongée (1) et à l'extérieur du réservoir (2).Autonomous diving block (1) including: at least one tank (2) intended to contain a gas under pressure a human-action pump (3) for compressing the gas in the tank (2) characterized in that it comprises an external casing (4) which in particular includes the tank (2) and in that the pump (3) is positioned inside the external casing (4) of the diving unit (1 ) and outside the tank (2). Bloc de plongée (1) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend au moins une paroi séparatrice (5) qui délimite au moins deux compartiments (60, 61) dans l'enveloppe externe (4) et en ce que la pompe (3) est positionnée dans l'un des compartiments (60) et le réservoir (2) est positionné dans l'autre compartiment (61).Diving block (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one separating wall (5) which delimits at least two compartments (60, 61) in the outer casing (4) and in that the pump (3) is positioned in one of the compartments (60) and the reservoir (2) is positioned in the other compartment (61). Bloc de plongée (1) selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que l'enveloppe externe (4) et la paroi séparatrice (5) constituent au moins une partie de la paroi du réservoir (2).Diving block (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the external casing (4) and the separating wall (5) constitute at least part of the wall of the tank (2). Bloc de plongée (1) selon l'une des revendications 2 ou 3, caractérisé en ce que la pompe à action humaine (3) comprend au moins un piston (32) et en ce que la paroi séparatrice (5) et l'enveloppe externe (4) constituent au moins une partie de la paroi du cylindre (32c) du piston (32).Diving block (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the human-action pump (3) comprises at least one piston (32) and in that the separating wall (5) and the casing external (4) constitute at least part of the wall of the cylinder (32c) of the piston (32). Bloc de plongée (1) selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que la pompe (3) comprend un élément d'actionnement (14, 30) située à l'extérieur de l'enveloppe externe (4) du bloc de plongée (1) et un corps de pompe (3b) et en ce que l'enveloppe externe (4) comprend au moins un orifice (40, 41) par lequel passe une tige (31) reliant la poignée (30) au corps de pompe (3b).Diving block (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the pump (3) comprises an actuating element (14, 30) located outside the external casing (4) of the diving block (1 ) and a pump body (3b) and in that the outer casing (4) comprises at least one orifice (40, 41) through which passes a rod (31) connecting the handle (30) to the pump body (3b ). Bloc de plongée (1) autonome comprenant : au moins un réservoir (2) destiné à contenir un gaz sous pression. une pompe à action humaine (3) permettant de comprimer le gaz dans le réservoir (2). caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une enveloppe externe (4) qui englobe le réservoir (2) et en ce que l'enveloppe externe (4) s'étend latéralement selon au moins une excroissance (100, 101) qui recouvre au moins en partie la pompe à action humaine (3). Autonomous diving block (1) including: at least one tank (2) intended to contain a gas under pressure. a human action pump (3) for compressing the gas in the tank (2). characterized in that it comprises an external envelope (4) which encompasses the reservoir (2) and in that the external envelope (4) extends laterally according to at least one projection (100, 101) which covers at least in part the human action pump (3). Bloc de plongée (1) selon l'une des revendications 1 et 2, caractérisé en ce que la pompe à action humaine (3) comprend un élément d'actionnement (30) qui est, en position rentrée, intégrée dans le bloc de plongée (1), et en ce que la poignée de préhension (30) comprend un moyen de fermeture (48) complémentaire du bloc de plongée (1) permettant de maintenir la poignée (30) en position rentrée.Diving block (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the human-action pump (3) comprises an actuating element (30) which is, in the retracted position, integrated in the diving block (1), and in that the grip handle (30) comprises a closure means (48) complementary to the diving unit (1) making it possible to hold the handle (30) in the retracted position. Bloc de plongée selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la pompe à action humaine est une pompe actionnée par au moins une main de l'utilisateur.Diving block according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the human action pump is a pump actuated by at least one hand of the user. Bloc de plongée selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 6, caractérisée en ce que la pompe (3) est mue par l'action d'au moins une jambe (J) de l'utilisateur et en ce que la pompe (3) est fixe par rapport au bloc de plongée (1).Diving block according to one of claims 1 or 6, characterized in that the pump (3) is moved by the action of at least one leg (J) of the user and in that the pump (3) is fixed relative to the diving unit (1). Bloc de plongée (1) selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que la pompe (3) comprend une pédale (14) qui est pivotante autour d'un axe (20) et en ce que la pédale (4) est reliée à au moins une de ces extrémités (21, 22) à un piston (11, 12).Diving block (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the pump (3) comprises a pedal (14) which is pivotable about an axis (20) and in that the pedal (4) is connected to the at least one of these ends (21, 22) to a piston (11, 12). Bloc de plongée (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un moyen de fixation amovible (10) apte à assurer la tenue du réservoir (2) sur le bloc de plongée (1) ainsi qu'une éventuelle désolidarisation du réservoir (2) par rapport au bloc de plongée (1).Diving block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a removable fixing means (10) capable of ensuring the holding of the tank (2) on the diving block (1) as well as '' possible separation of the tank (2) from the diving unit (1). Bloc de plongée (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la pompe (3) comprend deux pistons (11, 12).Diving block (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pump (3) comprises two pistons (11, 12). Bloc de plongée (1) selon la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce que les deux pistons (11, 12) sont disposés en série et en ce que les deux pistons (11, 12) sont reliés entre eux par un clapet anti-retour (304).Diving block (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the two pistons (11, 12) are arranged in series and in that the two pistons (11, 12) are interconnected by a non-return valve ( 304). Bloc de plongée (1) selon la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce que les deux pistons (11, 12) sont disposés en parallèle et en ce que les deux pistons (11, 12) alimentent uniquement le réservoir (2).Diving block (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the two pistons (11, 12) are arranged in parallel and in that the two pistons (11, 12) supply only the tank (2). Bloc de plongée (1) selon l'une des revendications 12 à 14, caractérisé en ce que au moins un piston (11, 12) comprime le gaz , à la fois, durant la phase de compression (D1,D20) et durant la phase de détente (D2,D10). Diving block (1) according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that at least one piston (11, 12) compresses the gas, both during the compression phase (D1, D20) and during the relaxation phase (D2, D10). Bloc de plongée (1) selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des bretelles (5) positionnées sur la face arrière (101) du bloc de plongée (1) et en ce que la pompe comporte une pédale (14) qui est également positionnée sur la face arrière (101).Diving block (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises straps (5) positioned on the rear face (101) of the diving block (1) and in that the pump comprises a pedal (14) which is also positioned on the rear face (101). Bloc de plongée (1) selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des bretelles (5) positionnées sur la face arrière (101) du bloc de plongée (1), et en ce que la pompe comporte un pédale (4) positionnée sur la face avant (100) du bloc de plongée (1) qui est située à l'opposée de la face arrière (101).Diving block (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises straps (5) positioned on the rear face (101) of the diving block (1), and in that the pump comprises a pedal (4 ) positioned on the front face (100) of the diving unit (1) which is located opposite the rear face (101).
EP01125133A 2000-11-13 2001-10-23 Self contained breathing apparatus with integrated human-powered pump Withdrawn EP1207100A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0014751A FR2816581B1 (en) 2000-11-13 2000-11-13 DIVING BLOCK COMPRISING A FOOT PUMP
FR0014751 2000-11-13
FR0017125 2000-12-21
FR0017125A FR2818612B1 (en) 2000-12-21 2000-12-21 SELF-CONTAINED DIVING BLOCK WITH INTEGRATED MANUAL PUMP

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EP1207100A1 true EP1207100A1 (en) 2002-05-22

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EP01125133A Withdrawn EP1207100A1 (en) 2000-11-13 2001-10-23 Self contained breathing apparatus with integrated human-powered pump

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EP (1) EP1207100A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD802293S1 (en) 2016-01-13 2017-11-14 Dgm Creations Llc Hydration sleeve
US10463139B2 (en) 2016-01-14 2019-11-05 Dgm Creations Llc Hydration sleeve and bladder and related systems and methods
USD822952S1 (en) 2016-08-29 2018-07-17 Dgm Creations Llc Garment with integrated hydration system
USD809285S1 (en) 2016-08-29 2018-02-06 Dgm Creations Llc Disposable hydration bladder
USD802294S1 (en) 2016-08-29 2017-11-14 Dgm Creations Llc Hydration sleeve
US11787519B2 (en) * 2020-09-17 2023-10-17 Zachary William Rupp Underwater breathing device

Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR918008A (en) * 1945-11-27 1947-01-28 Breathing apparatus for swimmers exploring the seabed
US2906263A (en) 1958-09-05 1959-09-29 Stanley Axelrod Swimming and diving aid
US3050055A (en) * 1960-06-29 1962-08-21 Robert G Vautin Underwater breathing device
US5996578A (en) * 1996-12-16 1999-12-07 Macgregor; Bruce Underwater breathing apparatus and air compressor
WO2001083293A1 (en) * 2000-05-04 2001-11-08 Salomon S.A. Automatic underwater breathing membrane with integrated manual recharge

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR918008A (en) * 1945-11-27 1947-01-28 Breathing apparatus for swimmers exploring the seabed
US2906263A (en) 1958-09-05 1959-09-29 Stanley Axelrod Swimming and diving aid
US3050055A (en) * 1960-06-29 1962-08-21 Robert G Vautin Underwater breathing device
US5996578A (en) * 1996-12-16 1999-12-07 Macgregor; Bruce Underwater breathing apparatus and air compressor
WO2001083293A1 (en) * 2000-05-04 2001-11-08 Salomon S.A. Automatic underwater breathing membrane with integrated manual recharge

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