KR102123749B1 - Underwater structure - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a coupling device for coupling an underwater rescue suit to a submarine (10), the coupling device providing breathing air between the mechanical connection (40) and the underwater rescue suit and the submarine (10) The connection portion 50 can be formed, and when the coupling device is released, the mechanical connection portion 40 and the connection portion 50 for supplying breathing air can be released at the same time.

Description

Underwater structure

The present invention relates to devices and methods for underwater structures.

In order to evacuate and rescue people from damaged submarines, there are a series of methods that can be performed depending on the depth of immersion. In the case of rescue operations from significant depths, for example, corresponding submersible rescue boats or rescue bells are used. The disadvantage is that the submersible rescue boats or rescue bells must first be brought to a damaged position. However, there is not always time for that. Methods are also known for submarines to carry corresponding pressure resistant structural capsules on board. The disadvantage is that these submersible rescue boats or rescue bells are provided only for very few submarines for space and cost reasons. At low depths, escape can be performed using a life jacket without using an airlock or directly from the rescue suit, which is performed to a maximum depth of about 50 m. For deeper depths of up to 250 m, an escape procedure using an air lock is used, ie the crew is evacuated from the boat by single or double air locks. In this case, the rescue suit, on the one hand, ensures buoyancy, on the other hand, enables rapid ascent, and the necessary breathing air is provided during this time. The buoyancy generated in this case is about 500 N. However, this high buoyancy level causes significant difficulties when securing the remaining person(s) during the airlock operation, and there is a risk that people will not be able to hold themselves at each position in the airlock and will eventually float. . This, in turn, can block the airlock and possibly kill people. This effect increases the number of people who lose consciousness during the air-locking process.

In addition, high ambient pressures cause nitrogen to saturate in the blood when escaping from significant depths. The amount of nitrogen dissolved in the blood depends on the immersion depth and residence time. As you go up to the surface, the nitrogen changes back to the gas phase and the diver can get sick depending on the amount of nitrogen.

EP 2 021 233 A1 discloses a structural suit with a rising hood.

EP 0 444 400 A1 discloses a submarine structure arrangement with a watertight suit, the suit comprising an integrally fixed container, a deployable life raft stored in the container, and the life raft for deployment It can be removed from the container.

EP 2 479 105 A1 discloses a rescue suit for submarine pilots with an inflatable lift chamber, a lift hood, and a hose with a free end for connecting to a reservoir of breathing gas.

EP 2 394 907 A2 discloses a submarine rescue suit with connecting means. Through the connecting means, the submarine rescue suit can be connected to the submarine's emergency air breathing apparatus.

DE 10 2012 219 266 B3 discloses a submarine with at least one emergency escape air lock, wherein the emergency escape air lock is arranged with a retaining device having a retaining means fixed to the boat side for releasable fixation to the submarine rescue suit, , The control device is provided to release the holding means independently.

GB 1 546 884 provides a device for removing an injured or unconscious person, the device providing a fixing means.

The object of the present invention is simpler, safer and more secure to minimize human dwell time at high ambient pressure and consequently to minimize the risk of diver disease, and on the other hand to ensure a secure fixation of the person in the airlock. It consists in constructing underwater structures in a quick manner.

This object is achieved by a coupling device having the features set forth in claim 1, a submarine having the features set forth in claim 4 and a method having the features set forth in claim 11. Advantageous developments will be appreciated from the dependent claims, the following description and drawings.

The coupling device according to the invention serves to couple the underwater rescue suit to the submarine. The coupling device forms a mechanical connection and a connection for supplying respiratory air between the underwater rescue suit and the submarine's air lock, and when the coupling device is released, the mechanical connection and the connection for supplying respiratory air It can be released at the same time.

The mechanical connection serves to fix the person. The mechanical connection serves to absorb the buoyancy generated by the underwater structure suit. Accordingly, a person can be held and secured in his position through the fixing means using the mechanical connection of the underwater rescue suit. In particular, the mechanical connection may be a force transmission connection present in addition to the connection for supplying breathing air between the coupling device and the underwater rescue suit, the mechanical connection and the connection for supplying breathing air together by the coupling device, and It can be released at the same time.

The advantage of the coupling device according to the invention is that the function of supplying breathing air and the function of fixing a person in the air lock are combined with each other in the present system. Consequently, both of the connections can also be separated at the same time. Thus, the time spent by people under high pressure can be reduced, since the two separate connections need not be released. Also, in these situations, the extra steps present enormous risks because people in these emergency situations do not always act reasonably. However, nevertheless, as a result of the underwater rescue suit, a buoyancy of 500 N is generally generated and this cannot be compensated by humans, so a mechanical connection is necessary. On the other hand, the supply of breathing air is important to ensure the expansion of the underwater rescue suit under increasing ambient pressure and the supply of breathing air to the escapees. Due to the fact that both connections are connected via the same coupling device, these connections can be separated in a single step, thus saving valuable time.

The coupling device is preferably configured as a quick-fit coupling. In a particularly preferred manner, the quick fit coupling includes two round and/or ergonomically formed handles for triggering the quick fit coupling. The principle of quick fit coupling may be derived, for example, from US 2014/143986. In this case, the quick-fit coupling may be configured in such a way that it engages without operation, ie produces a fixed connection. This has the advantage that a person's arms and hands are free, and as a result, those who can work or lose consciousness can also be removed. Alternatively, the quick-fit coupling may be configured in such a way that the connection is released without actuation. As a result, a person must actively keep the coupling closed, but those who lose consciousness cannot be removed.

In another embodiment of the invention, the mechanical connection is formed on a belt that is integral to the underwater structure suit. With the use of mechanical connections, the increasing buoyancy of underwater rescue suits up to 500 N must be compensated for during operation. As a result, relatively large forces are created for the underwater rescue suit and the people in the underwater rescue suit. To efficiently transmit this force, a belt, for example a hip belt, is advantageous.

In another embodiment of the invention, the coupling device is automatically released. The manual operation of the coupling device is simple, and it can also be used effectively in the event of a large system failure, but it still has to be fitted by the person. In order to save people who are unconscious, the automatic acting part is advantageous. In the case of automatic actuating parts, both pneumatic and alternatively also hydraulic actuating mechanisms have been found to be particularly advantageous. Mechanical actuation is also possible, and is not dependent on the functional capabilities of the pneumatic or hydraulic system. As a result of automation, optimal time use is also possible.

In a particularly preferred manner, both manual and automatic actuations are possible.

In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical connection between the coupling device and the underwater structure suit is formed using a snap hook suspended on a fixing member located on a portion of the coupling device that remains on the underwater structure suit after separation of the coupling device. do.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the mechanical connection is formed by a device surrounding the connection for supplying respiratory air. For example, a hose for a connection to supply breathing air includes a reinforcing web or net capable of absorbing a relatively high force of typically at least 500 N on the outside. For example, the hose for the connection for supplying breathing air may additionally or alternatively be made of Kevlar.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a submarine having a first coupling device according to the invention arranged at least in an air lock area and a hatch cover arranged on an upper side of the air lock area, wherein the first coupling device An operating device for automatic release of the is arranged on the hatch cover.

This combination is particularly advantageous for automatic removal. First, the air lock area must be submerged and pressure compensation must be performed before the hatch cover is opened. Only then can the coupling device be released so that air supply and fixation of the remaining person can be ensured for as long as possible.

In another embodiment of the invention, the submarine comprises a first coupling device and a second coupling device, at least in the airlock area. In the case of an emergency escape through the air lock, the time-determining process steps are usually immersion and pumping of the air lock. By increasing the number of people removed per operation, as a result, the evacuation process can generally be accelerated quickly. Also, in this way, an unconscious person can be supported by another person. The number of personnel to be removed per operation is limited by the functional procedures of emergency escape through the air lock and the resulting physical loading of the remaining person, and by the spatial configuration of the air lock area, the air lock area generally being 1 Only phosphorus or two can be accommodated. More people can also be evacuated simultaneously with large air locks.

In another embodiment of the invention, the submarine includes at least a first delay circuit, the first delay circuit being configured to delay the automatic release of the first coupling device. If the coupling device is released while the hatch cover is still open, a person may be at risk as a result of the relatively high buoyancy level exerted by a relatively significant force on the hatch cover. Accordingly, this can cause injuries and loss of consciousness. To prevent this, a delay circuit may be provided to ensure that the hatch cover is already completely opened and, on the other hand, the waiting time is not unnecessarily long. Accordingly, an optimal time period for evacuation is possible.

In another embodiment of the invention, the submarine comprises at least a second delay circuit, the second delay circuit being configured to delay the automatic release of the second coupling device after the automatic release of the first coupling device. . If additional coupling devices are provided in the air lock area, the second delay circuit temporarily activates the additional coupling devices in turn in a delayed manner. The advantage of this embodiment is that people leave the air lock area in a slightly chronologically offset manner. Advantageously, the delay is selected in such a way that the second coupling device is activated immediately when the first person can pass through the hatch area. As a result of the time offset, these people do not interfere with each other. This is especially important because people generally stand behind their backs because people are usually connected to the submarine through a coupling device and are generally facing front against the wall. As a result of automation, a second person at the same time may not wait longer than necessary. In the development of the delay circuit, the delay circuit can use sensors to detect that the first person has passed through the hatch area, and then activate the second coupling device. In this case, the sensors may be arranged in the hatch area, and may be, for example, light barriers or non-contact near-field sensors.

In a particularly preferred manner, the submarine comprises a first delay circuit and a second delay circuit.

In another embodiment of the invention, the delay circuits are pneumatically configured. The advantage of this embodiment is that the delay circuit operates using only air pressure. Since compressed air can be stored locally, compressed air is still available in damaged submarines in general. However, electric or hydraulic systems can be more vulnerable in this case, especially if the central energy supply fails. Mechanical delay circuits are also possible, and are not dependent on the functional capabilities of the pneumatic or hydraulic system.

In another embodiment of the invention, the coupling device is arranged to be removable in the air lock area. Air lock areas are generally relatively limited, and are generally required for the delivery of people and objects. Therefore, it is advantageous that the coupling device is arranged in the air lock area only in an emergency. To this end, the coupling device may itself be connected to the breathing air supply, for example by means of a quick-fitting, customized coupling.

In another embodiment, a communication device, e.g., a button or connection for a communication device, e.g., a plug-type connection for headphones and a microphone, allows communication to be secured between the escaped person and the crew remaining in the submarine. Exists in the coupling. In the case of a connection for a communication device, it may be desirable to provide a connection for the communication device such that the mechanical connection and the connection for supplying breathing air can be released simultaneously when the coupling device is released.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for submersible rescue from a submarine, the method comprising the following steps:

a) wearing an underwater rescue suit to at least the first person,

b) forming a connection between the submarine and the submarine of the first person by the coupling device according to the invention in the airlock area,

c) submerging the air lock area,

d) automatically opening the hatch cover of the air lock area,

e) releasing the connection part of the coupling device of the first person,

f) lifting the first person out of the airlock area.

Of course, to remove additional people from the submarine by repeating the above method, closing of the hatch cover and removal of water from the air lock area may follow.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the following steps:

a1) wearing an underwater rescue suit to at least a second person,

b1) forming a connection between the submarine's underwater rescue suit and the submarine by means of a coupling device according to one of claims 1 to 3 in the airlock area,

g) releasing the connection part of the coupling device of the second person,

h) lifting the second person out of the airlock area.

This allows evacuation of at least two people at the same time, thereby accelerating submarine evacuation.

The device and method according to the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a closed tower hatch,
Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tower hatch open,
3 is a schematic cross-sectional view with two coupling devices,
4 is a pneumatic circuit diagram for automatic decoupling,
5 is a pneumatic circuit diagram of a delay circuit,
6 is a cross-sectional view of the tower of a submarine in two coupling devices,
7 is a flowchart of the method, and
8 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling device.

In FIG. 1, in a highly simplified manner, a schematic cross-sectional view of the airlock 12 of the submarine 10 is shown, with the person 20 located within the airlock 12 and submarine through the airlock 12 ( 10) It is intended to leave. To this end, the person 20 is wearing an underwater rescue suit, not illustrated. The underwater rescue suit is connected to the submarine 10 via a coupling device. The coupling device includes a socket 30 that is rigidly connected to the submarine 10 and a plug 32 that is coupled to the socket 30. From the socket 30, a mechanical connection 40 (retention function) and a connection 50 for supplying breathing air to the underwater rescue suit of the person 20 are extended. The hatch cover 14 is initially closed, and the air lock 12 is filled with air.

After the person 20 is connected himself to the submarine 10 via a coupling device, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the air lock 12 is flooded. After the air lock 12 is submerged, the hatch cover 14 is opened, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The person 20 releases the coupling device or the coupling device is automatically released, and the person 20 goes to the water surface.

In FIG. 3, a cross section of the air lock 12 of the submarine 10 is illustrated, and the two coupling devices are located in the air lock 12. Accordingly, it is possible to evacuate each of the two people 20 wearing the underwater rescue suit from the submarine 10 at the same time. In this embodiment, the socket 30 of the coupling device includes an automatic actuator 60. In addition, the coupling device can also be operated manually. The two automatic operation parts 60 are connected to each other by the control part 70, and the control part 70 is operated pneumatically in this case. To this end, the control unit 70 includes an inlet for compressed air from the compressed air container 72, which can be filled by the compressed air transport unit 74. Preferably, the compressed air container 72 is configured in such a way that the storage of compressed air is sufficient for evacuation of the crew even if the central compressed air supply system fails. Further, the control unit 70 is connected to the hatch cover switch 76. The hatch cover switch 76 is switched as soon as the hatch cover 14 is opened. Accordingly, the automatic operation unit 60 is operated. Until the connection of the coupling device is released, people 20 are supplied with breathing air through the breathing air supply 80.

4 shows a pneumatic circuit diagram for an automatic actuating part. This circuit includes two delay circuits 90 illustrated in FIG. 5. Through the compressed air conveying section 74, compressed air is introduced into the compressed air container 72. Pressure limiting valves OV2 and OV3 may be provided upstream and downstream of the compressed air container 72. Through the pressure limiting valve 1V1, the area of the circuit located downstream of the pressure limiting valve 1V1 is adjusted to have substantially no low excess pressure or only low excess pressure relative to the ambient pressure. When the hatch cover 14 is closed, the switch valve 1B1 is positioned at a position where a low excess pressure regulated by the pressure limiting valve 1V1 is transmitted. Conversely, in the open position of the hatch cover 14, a higher pressure is generated through the delay circuit 90 on the working cylinder 1A1. The operation cylinder 1A1 is a component of the automatic operation unit 60. As a result of the movement of the operation cylinder 1A1, the switch 1B2 is activated. It is also switched from low pressure to high pressure, thus actuating the working cylinder 1A2 through an additional delay circuit 90. The operation cylinder 1A2 is a component of the additional automatic operation unit 60. Thus, two people 20 can be removed from the air lock 12 in an optimal and rapid manner with minimal risk.

The delay circuit 90 is illustrated in FIG. 5. The most important element is the circuit pressure container (2S1). As a result of the fact that this volume must be filled first, the pressure in the valve 2V4 is slowly increased first so that only the valve 2V4 is opened in a time delayed manner. The time delay can be adjusted by the elastic force of the spring of the valve 2V4.

As a result of the circuit structure for ambient pressure, using pressure limiting valves OV2, OV3 and 1V1, the circuit at different depths of submarine 10 is always in the same way because the ambient pressure depends on the structure depth. It has the advantage of working.

6 shows a typical cross-section of an air lock 12 with two coupling devices. Coupling devices are illustrated in FIG. 6 with the plug 32 fitted in the socket 30, for simplicity of illustration the plug 32 is without any mechanical connection 40, and breathing for the underwater rescue suit It is exemplified without a connection 50 for supplying air. For normal use, the air lock includes a ladder 100. In case of evacuation, this ladder 100 also enters in order to the air lock 12 which is connected to the submarine 10 via coupling devices. The holding device 110 may be located in the vicinity of the coupling device. The retaining device 110 may be used by the person 20 to further secure the foot, for example, located under the retaining device 110.

In Figure 7, the method according to the invention is schematically illustrated. In steps a) and a1), people in each case wear an underwater rescue suit and climb into the air lock 12. Then, in steps b) and b1), the connection between the underwater rescue suit and the submarine is in each case formed by a coupling device. Subsequently, in step c), the air lock region is submerged and pressure compensation is generated. After the pressure compensation between the air lock 12 and the environment, in step d), the hatch cover is opened. Subsequently, in step e), the first person's coupling device is released. Accordingly, in step f), the first person is lifted from the air lock area. Subsequently, in step g), the second person's coupling connection is released, and then in step h) the second person is lifted out of the air lock 12. In order to evacuate others, in step i), the hatch cover is closed, and in step k), water is removed from the air lock area. Then, people can re-enter, and the method can be performed again until all of the submarine's crew has evacuated.

8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a coupling device in the form of a quick-fit coupling. The coupling device includes a socket 30 and a plug 32. The breathing air supply 80 extends from the center. The plug 32 has a fixing member 34 for forming a mechanical connection 40. For example, the mechanical connection 40 can be formed using a snap hook. To lock the plug 32 to the socket 30, the coupling device includes a lock 124 that can be coupled to the recess 126 of the plug. For unlocking, the actuating device may be displaced in the opposite direction of the spring 122 so that the locking portion 124 can be removed from the recess 126 in particular. The spring 122 allows the coupling device to be locked in a normal state.

10 submarines
12 Air lock
14 hatch cover
20 people
30 Coupling Device (Socket)
32 Coupling Device (Plug)
34 Fixing member
40 Mechanical connections
50 Connection for supplying breathing air
60 Automatic operation
70 Control
72 compressed air container
74 Compressed air transport
76 Hatch cover switch
80 breathing air supply
90 delay circuit
100 ladders
110 holding device
120 working devices
122 spring
124 lock
126 recess

Claims (12)

A submarine coupled to an underwater rescue suit by a coupling device,
The submarine is in combination with the underwater rescue suit, and the coupling device is a mechanical connection 40 that secures a person between the coupling device and the underwater rescue suit and between the underwater rescue suit and the submarine 10 Forming a connection portion 50 for supplying breathing air in,
When the coupling device is released, the mechanical connection 40 and the connection 50 for supplying the breathing air can be released at the same time,
The mechanical connection 40 is formed with respect to a belt integral with the underwater rescue suit, the submarine 10. In the combination consisting of the submarine of claim 1 and the underwater rescue suit,
The coupling device is characterized in that it is automatically released, the combination. According to claim 2,
At least the first coupling device is the coupling device, is arranged in the air lock area, and the hatch cover 14 is arranged on the upper side of the air lock area,
An actuating device 120 for automatic release of the first coupling device is arranged on the hatch cover 14, Combination. The method of claim 3,
The submarine (10) is characterized in that it further comprises a second coupling device in the airlock region. The method of claim 4,
The submarine 10 includes at least a first delay circuit 90,
The first delay circuit (90) is configured to delay the automatic release of the first coupling device. The method of claim 4,
The submarine 10 includes at least a second delay circuit 90,
The second delay circuit (90) is configured to delay the automatic release of the second coupling device after the automatic release of the first coupling device. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the first coupling device can be released pneumatically or hydraulically. The method of claim 5,
The first delay circuit 90 is characterized in that it is configured in a pneumatic or hydraulic manner, the combination. The method of claim 6,
The second delay circuit 90 is characterized in that it is configured in a pneumatic or hydraulic manner, the combination. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 9,
The first coupling device and the second coupling device are characterized in that they have a communication method or communication device to secure communication between the escaped person and the crew in the submarine. A method for submersible rescue from submarine 10, the method comprising:
a) wearing an underwater rescue suit to at least the first person,
b) forming a connection between the submarine 10 and the underwater rescue suit of the first person by means of the coupling device according to claim 1 or 2 in the airlock area,
c) submerging the air lock area,
d) opening the hatch cover 14 of the air lock area,
e) releasing the connection part of the coupling device of the first person,
f) A method for underwater rescue from submarine 10, comprising the step of elevating the first person out of the airlock area. The method of claim 11,
The method is:
a1) wearing an underwater rescue suit to at least a second person,
b1) forming a connection between the submarine 10 and the underwater rescue suit of the second person by the coupling device in the airlock area,
g) releasing the connection part of the coupling device of the second person,
h) A method for underwater rescue from a submarine (10), characterized in that it comprises the step of elevating the second person out of the airlock area.

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