WO1996035611A1

WO1996035611A1 - Self-contained breathing apparatus with medium pressure couplings that can be connected and disconnected during diving

Info

Publication number: WO1996035611A1
Application number: PCT/FR1996/000707
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marc Lefort; Francis Gobbo
Original assignee: 'sub-Pratique'
Priority date: 1995-05-11
Filing date: 1996-05-10
Publication date: 1996-11-14
Also published as: AU5903296A; FR2733960B1; FR2733960A1

Abstract

A self-contained compressed gas and open circuit breathing apparatus for diving, comprising a gas container (1), a pressure-reducing valve (4) forming a first pressure-reducing stage, one or more breathing devices (9) for the mouth and/or face, one or more medium pressure connecting tubes (11) and medium pressure coupling means (19, 20) with an end piece (20) and a coupling seal (19). The end piece (20) and coupling seal (19) include an automatic sealing position return valve and combined automatic valve opening means, and means for manually connecting and disconnecting the end piece under pressure during diving. A method for using the apparatus of the invention includes providing at least two outlets (7, 8, 13) of the valve (4) with a medium pressure coupling seal (19).

Description

SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS WITH MEDIUM PRESSURE CONNECTIONS WHICH CAN BE CONNECTED AND UNPLUGGED IN DIVING

The invention relates to a self-contained compressed air breathing apparatus with open circuit for underwater diving, and its method of use.

Self-contained compressed gas and open circuit breathing apparatus for diving has been known for a long time.

The main constituent elements and the terminology used in connection with these breathing apparatuses appear, for example, from the European standard EN 250: 1993. 5 A self-contained breathing apparatus generally comprises a portable reserve of compressed compressed breathing gas, for example a block compressed air cylinder (s), provided with at least one high pressure gas outlet; a high pressure regulator distributor forming a first gas expansion stage, provided with at least one high pressure gas inlet and at least two medium pressure gas outlets; means for connecting at least one high-pressure gas outlet from the reserve to a high-pressure gas inlet of the pressure-reducing valve, generally in the form of a clamp for clamping the outlet at the high-pressure inlet; at least one buccal and / or facial breathing device, for example a mouthpiece and / or a mask and / or a diving helmet, comprising a low pressure regulator 0 forming a second expansion stage with a medium gas inlet pressure, and valve means adapted to allow breathing on demand of gas delivered at low pressure by the low pressure regulator; at least one medium pressure connection line, at least one of which is connected to an oral and / or facial breathing device; medium pressure upstream connection means between an upstream end of each medium pressure connection pipe and one of the gas outlets medium pressure of the expansion valve; and means for connecting downstream medium pressure between the other, downstream end of said medium pressure connection pipe which is connected to the buccal and / or facial breathing device, and the medium pressure gas inlet of the low pressure regulator of an oral and / or facial breathing device.

Since the origin of diving suits and self-contained breathing apparatus, the problem has arisen of the safety of divers in the event of premature exhaustion of the gas reserve or of malfunction of the breathing apparatus while diving. In particular, in the context of deep diving, it is out of the question for a diver to rise too quickly to the surface in the event of a problem. Thus, while scuba diving offers multiple advantages, including great freedom of movement for the diver, it has always been considered a risky sport since the safety of the diver is directly linked to the reliability of the respiratory system. , and the rigorous application of safety rules.

When a diver finds himself in difficulty due to the exhaustion of his air supply or a deficiency in his respiratory system, he is generally rescued by a diving partner who can either share the same device with him buccal breathing, the two divers alternately passing this device, either provide him with an additional oral and / or facial breathing device provided beforehand for this purpose on the breathing apparatus of the diving partner.

Thus, in the context of the diving-school, at least one diver is equipped with a respiratory device comprising at least two oral and / or facial breathing devices, one of which can be used to rescue another diver in difficulty.

In the case where each diver is only equipped with a breathing device, the use of the same alternatively breathing is not always possible, and is often the source of serious accidents due in particular to the breathlessness of the two divers and to the apnea phases imposed on them during the ascent and during decompression stops, which can cause panic or discomfort.

Furthermore, the use of several breathing devices for each self-contained breathing apparatus also poses problems of space and safety (the buccal and / or facial rescue breathing device connected to the pressure reducing valve by a connecting line makes the more complex device, therefore more risky in use, can catch or be the seat of leaks ...) and cost especially in the context of diving-school.

In addition, we have also thought of rescuing divers in difficulty by supplying air from the surface. Thus, patent DE-B-1 035 510 describes an autonomous diving breathing apparatus conforming to the first version formerly used, comprising a single expansion stage provided with a low pressure gas outlet for a life jacket. This low pressure outlet can be used as an air inlet for the connection of an air inlet pipe coming from a compressor located on the surface. Likewise, patent number US-A-3,570,808 describes an improved connection making it possible to disconnect the medium pressure connection pipe from the buccal and / or facial breathing device in order to connect an air supply pipe connected to the surface.

However, this solution is not used in practice since the emergency air supply line connected to the surface cannot be immediately available at the site of the possible diving accident, unless the benefits are forfeited principles of scuba diving.

The invention therefore aims to overcome all of these drawbacks by proposing a respiratory device autonomous and its method of use, allowing any diver in difficulty to be rescued by a diving partner immediately, without alternating use of the same oral and / or facial breathing device, without assistance from the surface, and without the addition of a breathing device and an emergency medium pressure connection line to the divers' breathing apparatus.

In general, during diving schools, only the instructor is equipped with an emergency breathing device so that he can rescue one of the students in difficulty. Nevertheless, it is clear that this solution finds its limits when the respiratory system of the monitor itself is faulty or when more than two students are in difficulty. The invention also aims to overcome this drawback by proposing a respiratory device which makes it possible to rescue any diver in difficulty from the respiratory device of any other diver, without alternating use of the same breathing device, without surface supply, and without require the addition of emergency breathing devices.

It should also be noted that hygiene problems are increasingly posed with self-contained breathing apparatus, given the development of viral diseases, and more particularly hepatitis. In fact, these viral diseases are sometimes transmitted from one diver to another if the same breathing device is used alternately. The same goes for collective breathing apparatus such as those used in diving schools. The invention therefore also aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing an autonomous respiratory device which, including in the event of a diving accident, avoids the use of the same oral and / or facial breathing device by several people.

For reasons of reliability and safety of use mentioned above, the means of connection of the various connecting pipes to the various outputs of the pressure-reducing valve distributor of known devices include standardized threads and threads, normally removable without specific tools. In addition, the medium pressure fittings are not compatible with those of the high pressure to avoid connection errors. Thus, the European standard EN 250: 1993 recommends, for high pressure outlets, threads in accordance with standard ISO 263 7 / 16-20 UNF. The medium pressure outlets are fitted with different threads, namely for example threads in accordance with ISO 263 3 / 8-24 UNF. For obvious reasons of longevity, reliability, and safety, divers must avoid as much as possible any disassembly and reassembly of these threaded connections during transport and / or storage of devices on the surface. Thus, the breathing apparatus is always handled and transported with the various connecting pipes permanently connected to the pressure reducing valve. Nevertheless, we are then faced with problems of premature wear and breakage of the connecting pipes which are often bent or twisted during transport, and with problems of deterioration of the various devices or apparatus connected to these connecting pipes (apparatuses measurement, manometers, dive management computers, ...). This is an additional source of insecurity since these problems are not necessarily detected before the dive. In addition, it is necessary to often change the connecting pipes, or even the various devices and apparatuses connected to it, which can lead to significant expenses given the relatively high costs of this equipment.

The invention therefore also aims to provide a diving breathing apparatus by which the transport and storage of the various constituent elements of the apparatus can be carried out under good conditions, without risk of deterioration of the connecting pipes and of the apparatus and devices connected to it, in particular oral and / or facial breathing devices, measuring devices, manometers or dive management computers ...

The invention also aims to propose a diving breathing apparatus with which the connection of the pressure reducing valve to the various medium pressure and high pressure connecting lines is carried out with greater safety and better reliability, without risk of leaks. The invention further aims to propose such a diving breathing apparatus whose cost price is low, in particular of the same order as that of traditional diving breathing apparatus.

To do this, the invention relates to an autonomous compressed gas breathing apparatus with an open circuit for diving as mentioned above, and which is characterized in that:

- Said medium pressure upstream connection means comprise a medium pressure connection nozzle associated with the upstream end of said medium pressure connection pipe which is connected to the buccal and / or facial breathing device, and at least two medium pressure connection fittings each associated with one of the medium pressure gas outlets of the pressure reducing valve,

- the medium pressure connection nozzle and each medium pressure connection fitting are adapted to be able to be connected to each other and form between them a tight connection capable of transmitting the medium pressure gas leaving the pressure reducing valve in said pipe medium pressure connection,

the medium pressure connection end piece incorporates an automatic return valve in the sealed closure position so that when it is not connected to a medium pressure connection set, this valve seals the upstream end of said medium pressure connection line,

- each medium connection set pressure incorporates an automatic return valve in sealed sealing position so that when no medium pressure connection nozzle is connected to this medium pressure connection fitting, this valve seals the corresponding medium pressure outlet of the pressure reducing valve ,

the medium pressure connection end piece and each medium pressure connection set incorporate automatic combined means for actuating the opening of the automatic valves, active when the medium pressure connection end piece is connected to a medium pressure connection set, so that the automatic valves are open and allow the circulation of gas through the tight connection formed by the medium pressure connection nozzle connected to the medium pressure connection lining,

- said medium pressure upstream connection means include manual connection / disconnection means in diving service adapted to allow manual disconnection in diving service and at will of the medium pressure connection end piece of a medium pressure connection lining which it was previously connected, and the manual plunge connection of the medium pressure connection nozzle to any of the medium pressure connection fittings of a regulator valve of the self-contained breathing apparatus or of another self-contained breathing apparatus . Throughout the text, the term "end piece" designates a device associated with the end of a pipe for connection. A tip can be of the male type to be inserted into a gasket which is then female. However, a tip can on the contrary be of the female type to receive a male type of lining.

Thus, with a breathing apparatus according to the invention, it is possible to disconnect during the dive the medium pressure connection line from the distributor regulator of the diver in difficulty, then reconnect this upstream connection line to a distributor regulator in service with a breathing apparatus of a diving partner, so that two divers breathe from the same reserve, each with their device original mouth and / or facial breathing. In this way, assistance to any diver in difficulty is immediate, does not require the diver in difficulty to change the breathing device and is done without alternate use of the same breathing device.

According to the invention, the regulator distributor comprises at least one medium pressure emergency gas outlet fitted with a medium pressure connection fitting intended to be left free on standby during diving. In other words, the number of medium pressure gas outlets from the pressure reducing valve is greater than the number of medium pressure outlets necessary for diving under normal conditions. Conventionally, two medium pressure gas outlets are used during a normal dive, namely one to supply the buccal and / or facial breathing device of the diver, and another to supply a stabilization jacket or a life jacket. In this case, the regulator distributor of the apparatus according to the invention comprises at least three medium pressure gas outlets, one of which is left free on standby during the dive for the assistance of another diver in difficulty. Similarly, if three medium pressure gas outlets are used for diving under normal conditions, for example for the connection of two breathing devices (one for the diver, and an additional one for safety) and one for the stabilization jacket , the regulator distributor of the respiratory device according to the invention comprises at least four medium pressure gas outlets, at least one of which is equipped with a medium pressure connection fitting and left free to stand by during diving for assistance 'a diver in difficulty. According to the invention, each of the medium pressure gas outlets of the pressure reducing valve is equipped with a medium pressure connection fitting as mentioned above. In addition, each medium pressure connection pipe of a respiratory device according to the invention has an upstream end which comprises a medium pressure connection nozzle as mentioned above. Thus, the respiratory device according to the invention comprises, for each device (buccal and / or facial breathing device, stabilization jacket, etc.) intended to be connected to one of the medium pressure gas outlets of the pressure reducing valve , a medium pressure connection line, one upstream end of which has a medium pressure connection end piece and one downstream end of which can be connected to said device.

Each medium pressure connection fitting is compatible with each medium pressure connection fitting to allow their connection. According to the invention, all of the medium pressure connection fittings are identical, and each of them includes a standardized thread adapted to be associated with a standardized tapping of a medium pressure gas outlet formed in the standardized pressure reducing valve of the respiratory. According to the invention, the manual connection / disconnection means in diving service of the upstream medium pressure connection means comprise means of assembly and automatic locking by simple engagement in axial translation of the medium pressure connection endpiece with respect to a medium pressure connection set.

Thus, the medium-pressure upstream connection means consist of a quick coupling (nozzle and gasket with manual quick connection / disconnection, without tools, without screwing / unscrewing, under pressure and under diving).

In addition, the means of manual connection / disconnection in diving service comprise at least one unlocking member that must be moved manually to unlock and separate the medium pressure connection end piece from a medium pressure connection fitting. According to the invention, the movable unlocking member (s) are adapted to define two distinct movements necessary for unlocking, each of these two movements being distinct from an axial translation in the direction away from the medium pressure connection set. Advantageously and according to the invention, said connection / disconnection means comprise a movable unlocking member with two separate successive movements necessary for unlocking, comprising a rotation and an axial translation in the direction of engagement towards the medium pressure connection lining. This movable unlocking member can be an outer ring carried by each medium pressure connection lining. Unlocking is obtained by rotation of this ring then displacement in axial translation of the ring in the direction of the pressure reducing valve. These assembly and automatic locking means, the movable unlocking member and said separate movements necessary for unlocking make it possible to avoid any untimely unlocking during the dive, in particular in the event of an impact on the connection means.

The invention also relates to a self-contained compressed gas breathing apparatus with open circuit for diving in which the pressure reducing valve is provided with at least one high pressure gas outlet for the connection of at least one high pressure device (for example a pressure gauge or a dive management computer, etc.) by a high pressure connection pipe, one upstream end of which can be connected to such a high pressure gas outlet by high pressure upstream connection means, and which is characterized by what:

the high pressure upstream connection means comprise a high pressure connection fitting fitted to a high pressure gas outlet, and a high pressure connection nozzle fitted to the high pressure connection line,

- the high pressure connection nozzle and the high pressure connection fitting are adapted to be able to be connected to each other and form between them a sealed high pressure connection capable of transmitting the high pressure gas leaving the pressure reducing valve in the high pressure connection line,

- the high pressure connection end piece and the high pressure connection set include manual actuation connection / disconnection without tools.

According to the invention, said means of manual connection / disconnection without tools of the high pressure upstream connection means comprise locking means in the connection position preventing any possibility of inadvertent disconnection during the dive.

A breathing apparatus according to the invention is characterized in that each of the gas outlets (medium pressure or high pressure) of the pressure reducing valve has a connection fitting (either medium pressure or high pressure) suitable for the connection of a nozzle. conjugate connection (ie either medium pressure or high pressure).

According to the invention, each high pressure connection fitting comprises a standardized wiring adapted to be associated with a standardized tapping of a high pressure gas outlet of the standardized pressure reducing valve, and the upstream medium pressure connection means are not compatible with high pressure upstream connection means.

The invention also relates to a method of using an apparatus according to the invention. According to the invention, this process is characterized in that at least two medium pressure gas outlets are fitted to the pressure reducing valve with a medium pressure connection fitting capable of receiving a connection end piece. medium pressure fitted to an upstream end with a medium pressure connection pipe, in particular a connection pipe connected at its other downstream end to a buccal and / or facial breathing device. According to the invention, at least one gasket fitted to one of the medium pressure gas outlets is left waiting free during the dive, so as to have at least one emergency medium pressure gas outlet during the dive. .

The invention also relates to an autonomous compressed gas breathing apparatus and to open circuit for diving, and a method of use, characterized in that they comprise in combination all or part of the characteristics mentioned above or below. Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description which refers to the appended figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a respiratory device according to the invention,

- Figures 2a, 2b and 2c are schematic views in axial section illustrating the upstream medium pressure connection means respectively in the disconnected state, in an intermediate state during the connection of a nozzle on a packing, and to the connected state, of a breathing apparatus according to the invention, - Figures 3a and 3b are schematic views of the exterior illustrating the movements imparted to the movable outer ring for unlocking the upstream medium pressure connection means during disconnection, a respiratory device according to the invention,

- Figure 4 is a schematic view in axial section illustrating a medium pressure upstream connection lining along an axial cutting plane perpendicular to the cutting plane of Figures 2a to 2c, - Figures 5a and 5b are schematic views in axial section illustrating the high pressure upstream connection means respectively in the disconnected state and in the connected state, of a respiratory device according to the invention.

The self-contained compressed gas breathing apparatus with an open circuit for diving according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 comprises a bottle 1 (or a bottle block (s)) constituting a portable reserve of compressed breathing gas under high pressure. This reserve is filled with a compressed gas, for example air. Traditionally for autonomous diving, this reserve is portable, that is to say that it is likely to be carried by the diver, in particular on his back thanks to a harness.

The bottle 1 has a high pressure gas outlet 2, generally located downstream of a valve 3 which makes it possible to open or close the bottle 1. The apparatus also includes a high pressure regulator distributor 4 which forms a first stage of expansion of the gas from the bottle 1. This pressure reducing valve 4 is provided with at least one inlet and outlets allowing its connection on the one hand to the bottle 1 and on the other hand to the various devices and accessories diving 9, 10, 16.

In the example shown and in a traditional manner, the pressure reducing valve 4 comprises a high pressure gas inlet 5 which can be placed opposite and clamped against the high pressure outlet 2 of the bottle 1 by means of a clamping bracket 6 forming means connecting the high pressure outlet 2 to the high pressure inlet 5.

The pressure reducing valve 4 shown in FIG. 1 also includes two medium-pressure gas outlets 7, 8 for supplying respectively a buccal and / or facial breathing device 9 and a stabilization jacket 10 via medium pressure connection 11 respectively 12. Conventionally, in a diving breathing apparatus, the medium pressure is of the order of 5 to 20 bars (5.10 ⁵ to 2.10 ⁶ Pa) and the high pressure is of the order of 100 to 400 bars (10 ^{7 to} 4.10 ⁷ Pa). Each buccal and / or facial breathing device 9 comprises, in a traditional manner, a low pressure regulator forming a second expansion stage provided with a medium pressure gas inlet 14, and valve means adapted to allow breathing on demand. of gas delivered- at low pressure (that is to say the breathing pressure of the plunger) by the low pressure regulator. The low pressure regulator and the demand valve means are not shown or described in detail and are known in themselves (see for example patent FR-A-2,676,000).

Also, the pressure reducing valve 4 is of a type known per se (see for example patent FR-A-2 446 116) and is not described in more detail. The invention is moreover applicable regardless of the type or nature of the regulator distributor 4 and of the accessories (buccal and / or facial device 9 for breathing, low pressure regulator, pressure gauge 16, stabilization jacket 10). The regulator distributor 4 also comprises, in a manner known per se, at least one high pressure gas outlet 15 for the connection and supply of gas under high pressure to at least one high pressure device 16 via a high pressure connection line 17. In the example shown, the distributor 4 has a single high pressure gas outlet 15 used for the connection of a pressure gauge or a diving management computer 16. Other gas outlets high pressure can be provided for the connection of other devices. If necessary, the unused medium pressure or high pressure gas outlets from the distributor 4 can be closed by leakproof caps, with the exception of at least one emergency medium pressure gas outlet 13 which is left free waiting and equipped a connection gasket 19 as described below.

For reasons of clarity, the pressure reducing valve 4 is shown in FIG. 1 not connected to the bottle 1. Traditionally, to connect the regulator distributor 4, the stirrup 6 is engaged around the outlet pipe of the bottle 1 so as to put the high pressure outlet 2 of the bottle 1 opposite the inlet 5 high pressure of the regulator distributor 4. Then the clamp 6 is tightened by screwing a tightening wheel 18 of this clamp 6 which thus constitutes means for connecting the high pressure outlet 2 of the bottle 1 to the inlet 5 of the pressure reducing valve 4. As mentioned above, the self-contained breathing apparatus according to the invention comprises at least one medium pressure connection line 11 connecting respectively at least one medium pressure outlet 7 of the pressure reducing valve 4 to at least one buccal device 9 and / or breathing facial. For each medium pressure connection pipe 11, the apparatus comprises means 19, 20 for connecting upstream medium pressure between an upstream end 21 of the pipe 11 and one of the medium pressure gas outlets 7 of the pressure reducing valve 4. Also, the the device comprises means 22 for downstream connection between the other downstream end 23 of the pipe 11 and the medium pressure gas inlet 14 of the low pressure regulator of the corresponding buccal and / or facial device 9. Throughout the text, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used with reference to the direction of circulation of the gas from the bottle 1 to the buccal and / or facial breathing device 9.

According to the invention, the apparatus is characterized in that: - said means 19, 20 for medium pressure upstream connection comprise a nozzle 20 for medium pressure connection rigidly and sealingly associated with the upstream end 21 of pipe 11 of medium pressure connection and at least two medium pressure connection fittings 19 each rigidly and sealingly associated with one of the medium pressure gas outlets 7, 8, 13 of the pressure reducing valve 4,

- the end piece 20 for medium connection pressure and each medium pressure connection gasket 19 are adapted so that they can be connected to each other and form between them a tight connection capable of transmitting the medium pressure gas leaving the pressure reducing valve 4 in the medium pressure connection pipe 11 ,

the end piece 20 for medium pressure connection incorporates an automatic valve 25 with a return to sealed sealing position so that when it is not connected to a lining 19 for medium pressure connection, this valve 25 seals the end 21 upstream of the medium pressure connection pipe 11,

- Each medium pressure connection gasket 19 incorporates an automatic return valve 24 in the sealed closure position so that when no medium pressure connection nozzle 20 is connected to this gasket 19 of medium pressure connection, this valve 24 closes sealingly the corresponding medium pressure outlet 7, 8, 13 of the pressure reducing valve 4,

the end piece 20 for medium pressure connection and each lining 19 for medium pressure connection incorporates automatic means 26, 27 for actuating the opening of the valves 24, 25 automatic active when the end piece 20 for medium pressure connection is connected to a medium pressure connection gasket 19, so that the automatic valves 24, 25 are open and allow the circulation of gas through the tight connection formed by the medium pressure connection nozzle 20 connected to the medium pressure connection gasket 19 ,

- Said means 19, 20 for medium pressure upstream connection comprise means 33, 34, 55, 56, 58, 59, 52, 53, 54, 51 for manual connection / disconnection in service (under medium pressure) in diving adapted to allow manual disconnection in diving service and at will of the connection end piece 20 medium pressure of a medium pressure connection lining 19 to which it was previously connected, and manual plunging of the end piece 20 of medium pressure connection to any of the medium pressure connection linings 19 of a pressure reducing valve 4 - self-contained breathing apparatus or other self-contained breathing apparatus.

In addition, the pressure reducing valve 4 includes at least one medium pressure emergency gas outlet 13, the medium pressure connection lining 19 of which is left free to stand by during diving, that is to say which is not normally connected. to a medium pressure connection line. Thus, the pressure reducing valve 4 of an apparatus according to the invention comprises a number of medium pressure gas outlets 7, 8, 13 fitted with fittings 19 which is at least one unit greater than the number of outlets 7, 8 , 13 of medium pressure gas necessary for the connection and connection of the diving devices and accessories normally used by the diver (buccal and / or facial breathing device 9, stabilization jacket 10 ...).

In particular, the regulator distributor 4 may have more medium pressure outlets than in the example shown in FIG. 1. The regulator distributor 4 may thus have four or five medium pressure gas outlets, one or two of which are emergency exits fitted with fittings. of connection left free pending. More particularly, the respiratory device according to the invention may comprise a stabilization jacket 10, a buccal breathing device 9 normally used, an emergency buccal and / or facial breathing device 9 also connected to another medium pressure outlet, and one or two emergency medium pressure outputs. The medium pressure emergency gas outlet 13 of the pressure reducing valve 4 of the autonomous device according to the invention is fitted with a gasket 19 of medium pressure connection intended to be left free on standby during diving, so that the end piece 20 for medium pressure connection of a plunger can be connected to this gasket 19 for medium pressure connection of the emergency medium pressure outlet 13. The invention also relates to a method of using an apparatus according to the invention characterized in that at least two medium pressure gas outlets 7, 8, 13 of the pressure reducing valve 4 are fitted with a medium pressure connection gasket 19 able to receive a medium pressure connection end piece 20 fitted to an upstream end of a medium pressure connection pipe 11, in particular a connection pipe 11 connected at its other downstream end to a buccal device 9 / facial breathing. As soon as at least two medium pressure connection fittings 19 are provided, it is possible to use one of them to rescue a diver in difficulty, possibly after disconnecting the accessory (for example the stabilization jacket) ) connected to this trim. According to the invention, at least one gasket 19 equipping one 13 of the outlets 7, 8, 13 of medium pressure gas is left waiting free during the dive, so as to have at least one during the dive. emergency medium pressure gas outlet 13. In a self-contained breathing apparatus and a method according to the invention, each of the medium pressure gas outlets 7, 8, 13 of the pressure reducing valve 4 is equipped with such a gasket 19 for medium pressure connection. And each medium pressure connection pipe 11, 12 has its upstream end which includes an end piece 20 for medium pressure connection.

The medium pressure outputs 7, 8, 13 of a standardized pressure reducing valve 4 each have a standard tapping 28 (cf. European standard (EN 250: 1993, March 1993), in particular in accordance with ISO 263 3/8 According to the invention, all the linings 19 for medium pressure connection of the means 19, 20 for upstream medium pressure connection are identical, and each of these linings 19 has a standardized thread 29 adapted to be associated with the standard tapping 28 of the medium pressure outputs of the regulator valve 4. Thus, as shown in particular in FIGS. 2a to 2c, each lining 19 is screwed in the normalized thread 28 of the regulator 4 forming the corresponding outlet 7, 8, 13. A seal is interposed between the internal thread 28 and the thread 29.

Thus, the medium pressure connection linings 19 can be mounted simply by screwing on the medium pressure gas outlets of any standardized pressure reducing valve 4.

The upstream ends 21 are also provided with a standardized thread 30. And each end piece 20 for medium pressure connection 'a device according to the invention comprises a standard thread 31 which can be screwed onto the thread 30 of the upstream end 21. For example, the thread 30 and the thread 31 also conform to the standard ISO 263 3 / 8-24 UNF. A seal is also provided between the end piece 20 and the end 21 to which it is fixed.

Therefore, self-contained breathing apparatus already manufactured and / or sold and / or used can be transformed and used into self-contained breathing apparatus according to the invention. It suffices, in fact, to equip each of the medium pressure gas outlets of the pressure reducing valve with one of the linings 19, and each of the upstream ends 21 of the connecting pipes 11, 12 with a nozzle 20. In a variant not shown, the toppings

19 can be associated with the pressure reducing valve 4 by incorporation in manufacturing and be formed integrally with the body of the pressure reducing valve 4. Likewise, the connection end pieces 20 can be associated with the ends of the connecting pipes 11, 12 to manufacturing and be formed integrally with these pipes 11, 12, for example by overmolding. In this variant, it is ensured that the linings 19 and the end pieces 20 are non-removable. The medium pressure connection gasket 19 comprises a valve body 32, one end of which forms the standard thread 29, and the other end of which is tapped to be associated with a thread of a junction sleeve 33 suitable for receiving a junction sleeve 34 conjugate of the end piece 20 for medium pressure connection. The valve body 32 defines an internal passage for gas, and a valve seat 35 which can be closed by a valve shutter 36 movable in axial translation inside the valve body 32. The valve shutter 36 is guided relative to the junction sleeve 33 and returned to the closed position against the valve seat 35 by means of a compression spring 37 and the pressure of the gas in the valve body 32. The valve obturator 36 carries a seal sealing 38 and is extended axially outwards by an actuating rod 26.

The junction sleeve 34 of the medium pressure connection end piece 20 defines an internal passage for the gas and a valve seat 39 which can be closed by a valve shutter 40 movable in axial translation, guided in axial translation inside. of the junction sleeve 34. To do this, a guide disc 41 is trapped between the junction sleeve 34 and a connection socket 42 of the end piece 20 on the upstream end 21 of the pipe 11. The connection socket 42 has a thread and is screwed onto the junction sleeve 34 which has a thread for this purpose. The connection socket 42 also comprises said standardized tapping 31 for its mounting on the standardized thread 30 of the upstream end 21 of the pipe 11.

The guide disc 41 is pierced in its center to receive a guide rod 43 extending the valve shutter 40 towards the connection sleeve 42. A compression spring 44 is interposed between the guide disc 41 and the valve shutter 40 to recall the latter in the closed position against the valve seat 39. The valve shutter 40 carries a seal 45. The guide disc 41 is provided with peripheral lights 46 for the passage of air. The valve shutter 40 is extended towards the free end of the junction sleeve 34 by an actuating rod 27. The free end of the actuating rod

26 of the lining 19 and the free end of the actuating rod 27 of the end piece 20 have conjugate shapes adapted to ensure centering and relative axial alignment of these two rods 26, 27. For example, the end of the actuating rod 26 of the lining 19 has a conical recess adapted to receive the conical tip of the end of the actuating rod 27 of the end piece 20. When the junction sleeve 34 is introduced into the sheath junction 33, the two actuating rods 26, 27 repel each other against the springs 37, 44 and the valves 24, 25 are open (FIG. 2c).

The junction sheath 33 of the lining 19 carries a seal 47 capable of sealing between an internal cylindrical wall 48 of the junction sheath 33 and an external cylindrical wall 49 combined with the junction sleeve 34 of the end piece 20 when this junction sleeve 34, which forms a male portion of the connector, is introduced into the junction sleeve 33 (FIG. 2b) which forms a female portion of the connector. The junction sleeve 33 of the lining

19 comprises a collar 50 for retaining an external unlocking ring 51 carried by the lining 19 (that is to say by the female part 19 of the means 19, 20 for upstream medium pressure connection). The ring 51 surrounds the junction sheath 33 by defining a peripheral external housing for two external washers 52, 53 secured to the ring 51 in axial translation and a compression spring 54 interposed between an external shoulder 60 of the junction sheath 33 and the one 53 of the two washers 52, 53. Two lateral locking rods 55 extend on either side of the junction sheath 33, in lateral recesses 56 formed through the thickness of the junction sheath 33, and between the two washers 52, 53. The ends 67 of the two locking rods 55 extend outside the junction sleeve 33 so as to be inserted between the two washers 52, 53 (FIG. 4) of which they are thus integral in axial translation. The lateral recesses 56 are formed in the thickness of the junction sheath 33 by milling along an inclined plane relative to the axis of the lining 19, so as to form upstream of each recess 56 an inclined face 57 which s 'extends outwards and towards the side of the valve body 32.

Thus, when the ring 51 is moved in translation towards the expansion valve 4 against the spring 54, the most extreme washer 52 (the most downstream) pushes the two locking rods 55 which fade towards the by sliding on the inclined faces 57. On the contrary, if the ring 51 is released, the least extreme washer 53 (the most upstream) pushes the locking rods 55 into the recesses 56 so that their middle portion passes through the interior of the junction sleeve 33, forming internal locking projections.

The junction sleeve 34 of the end piece 20 has its outer wall provided with a collar 58 and a groove 59 locking peripherals adapted so that the locking rods 55 can come into the groove 59 after the collar 58 (which is closer to the free end of the junction sleeve 34 than the groove 59) has been engaged beyond the locking rods 55 which fade outwards when the collar 58 passes opposite the recesses 56.

The lateral recesses 56 are inclined and define downstream abutment surfaces of the locking rods 55 adapted to prevent any erasure of the locking rods 55 towards the outside when traction is exerted on the end piece 20 and the collar 58 towards the downstream from the locking position (Figure 2c).

It should be noted that the internal diameter of the junction sleeve 33 downstream of the recesses 56, corresponds to the external diameter of the locking collar 58 of the junction sleeve 34, and is greater than the internal diameter of the junction sleeve 33 upstream of the recesses 56, which itself corresponds to the external diameter of the junction sleeve 34 to upstream of the locking collar 58.

The junction sleeve 33, the junction sleeve 34, the locking rods 55, the recesses 56, the locking collar 58, the locking groove 59, the washers 52, 53, the spring 54, and the unlocking ring 51 constitute means 33, 34, 55, 56, 58, 59, 52, 53, 54, 51 for manual connection / disconnection under diving pressure of the connection means 19, 20 formed by the end piece 20 and the connection lining 19 .

The locking rods 55, the recesses 56, the locking collar 58, the locking groove 59, the washer 53 and the spring 54 constitute means 55, 56, 58, 59, 53, 54 for assembly and automatic locking by simple engagement in axial translation of the connection end piece 20 in the connection lining 19. The end piece 20 and the lining 19 thus form an automatic quick coupling.

To connect the end piece 20 and the lining 19, the junction sleeve 34 is engaged in the junction sleeve 33 (FIG. 2b). In doing so, the shutter 40 of the end piece 20 is moved by the rod 26 for actuating the lining 19, against the spring 44 (which is less stiff than the spring 37 of the lining 19) until that a shoulder 61 of the guide rod 43 abuts against the guide disc 41. The valve 25 of the nozzle 20 is then opened. Continuing the engagement of the junction sleeve 34, the locking collar 58 passes opposite then beyond the locking rods 55 which are returned by the spring 54 in the locking groove 59 (FIG. 2c). The rod 26 for actuating the end piece 20 then pushes the shutter 36 of the lining 19 against the spring 37, so that the valve 24 of the lining 19 is open.

The actuating rods 26, 27 thus constitute automatic combined means for actuating the opening of the valves 24, 25. In the disconnected state (FIG. 2a), the valves 24, 25 are in the closed position, so that no gas leak or water entry is to be feared in the pressure reducing valve 4 or in the connection pipe 11.

In a variant not shown, advantageously and according to the invention, said automatic means 26, 27 combined for actuating the opening of the valves 24, 25 are adapted to open the automatic valve 24 of the gasket 19 of medium pressure connection during the connection and before the end of the sealed assembly of the medium pressure connection nozzle 20 on the medium pressure connection lining 19, so that a quantity of gas under medium pressure is expelled between the connection nozzle 20 medium pressure and the medium pressure connection gasket 19 during connection. Furthermore, in this variant, said automatic means 26, 27 combined for actuating the opening of the valves can be adapted to open the automatic valve 25 of the nozzle 20 for medium pressure connection only at the end of the connection. , after completion of the seal between the medium pressure connection nozzle and the gasket 19 medium pressure connection.

To do this, it suffices for example to reverse the structure and the role of the automatic valves 24, 25 with respect to the variant shown in FIGS. 2a to 2c, so that the valve 25 opens first, comes into abutment with opening, the valve 24 opening at the end of connection. Furthermore in this variant and by shortening the length of the junction sleeve 34 (relative to the embodiment shown), it is ensured that the valve 25 of the gasket 19 opens before the seal 47 performs the sealing with the end of the junction sleeve 34, so that pressurized air can be driven in and around the junction sleeve 34.

In the connected position (Figure 2c), the two valves 24, 25 are open and air can circulate (arrows in Figure 2c). Unintentional disconnection is prevented by locking.

In particular, a traction exerted on the end piece 20 does not move the locking rods 55. It is however possible to disconnect the end piece 20 by moving the unlocking ring 51 towards the pressure reducing valve 4, that is to say upstream, which clears the locking rods 55, then by exerting an axial traction on the end piece 20. In doing so, the valve 24 of the lining 19 and then the valve 25 of the end piece are automatically returned to position d '' sealing with springs 37, 44 and gas pressure. Disconnection can therefore be carried out under pressure and diving instantly.

The unlocking ring 51 is a movable unlocking member, and is adapted to define at least two distinct movements (relative to the female lining 19 which carries it) necessary for unlocking, each of these movements being distinct from an axial translation in the direction of movement of the end piece 20 relative to the lining 19 during disconnection, that is to say in the direction away from the lining 19 and from the pressure reducing valve 4.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 3a, 3b, the unlocking ring 51 is mounted on the lining 19 so that two separate successive movements must be imparted to the ring 51 to obtain the unlocking, namely a rotation around the 'axis of the lining (Figure 3a) then an axial translation in the direction of engagement towards the lining 19 (Figure 3b). To do this, the ring 51 is guided relative to the junction sleeve 34 by a guide device 62, 63, 64, 65, 66 of the bayonet type. The junction sleeve 34 has a locking pin 62 extending radially outwardly in a recess 63 opposite the ring 51 comprising a face 64, oriented towards the valve body 32 and the pressure reducing valve 4, and which abuts against the locking pin 62 to normally prevent any axial translation of the ring 51 in the unlocking direction. The recess 63 is oblong so as to allow rotation of the ring 51 relative to the junction sheath up to one end of this recess 63 where the face 64 has a notch 65 in axial recess allowing the axial translation to unlock the ring 51 (Figure 3b). The return spring 54 of the ring 51 is a helical spring and acts as a compression spring and torsion spring, one of its ends being anchored in the junction sleeve 34, while the other is anchored in the ring 51 .

The spring 54 is wound so as to return the ring 51 to its position where the lug 62 abuts against the end 66 of the recess 63 which is opposite the notch 65, and where any axial translation of unlocking of the ring 51 is prevented by the face 64 in abutment against the lug 62.

Thus, to unlock and disconnect the fitting, you must first rotate the ring 51 against the spring 54 to place the lug 62 opposite the notch 65 (Figure 3a) and then move the ring 51 in axial translation towards the valve body 32 (FIG. 3b).

The junction sleeve 33, the junction sleeve 34 (and the groove 59 for locking), and said conjugate forms of rods 26, 27 for actuation, are of revolution around the axis of the end piece 20 and the lining 19 so that the end piece 20 can freely rotate about this axis when it is connected to the gasket 19. In the embodiment shown, the end piece 20 for medium pressure connection is a male part (sleeve 34) which s 'engaged in the medium pressure connection lining 19 which is a female part (sheath 33). However, alternatively, the reverse can be expected. In particular, it is clear that the end fitting fitted to each connecting pipe may be in accordance with the female lining 19 described above on the pressure reducing valve 4, and each lining of the holding distributor 4 in accordance with the male end fitting 20 described above. above, at the end of the pipe 11. In other words, the end piece and the packing can be reversed, provided that the threads and internal threads required for the respective assemblies are adapted.

For the connection of an upstream end 71 of a high pressure connection pipe 17 to a high pressure outlet 15 of the pressure reducing valve 4, the breathing apparatus according to the invention comprises means 69, 70 of high pressure upstream connection which comprise connection / disconnection means with manual actuation without tools.

The self-contained breathing apparatus according to the invention is characterized in that: the means 69, 70 for high pressure upstream connection comprise a lining 69 for high pressure connection fitted with an outlet 15 for high pressure gas, and a nozzle 70 for high connection pressure, fitted to the high pressure connection line 17, - the high pressure connection end piece 70 and the high pressure connection lining 69 are adapted to be able to be connected to each other and form between them a high pressure tight connection suitable for transmitting the high pressure gas leaving the pressure reducing valve 4 in the high pressure connection line 17,

- The high pressure connection nozzle 70 and the high pressure connection lining 69 include means 72, 73, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 for connection / disconnection with manual actuation without tools. However, unlike the means 19, 20 for medium pressure upstream connection, the means 69, 70 for high pressure upstream connection cannot be connected and / or disconnected in service (under pressure) in diving.

Each high pressure connection fitting 69 comprises a standardized thread adapted to be associated with a standardized tapping of a high pressure gas outlet 15 of the standardized pressure reducing valve 4. For example, this thread and this thread conform to ISO 263 7 / 16-20 UNF. Also, each end piece 70 for high pressure connection includes a standard thread adapted to be associated with a standard thread of the end 71 of the high pressure connection pipe 17.

According to the invention, the means 19, 20 for medium pressure upstream connection are not compatible with the means 69, 70 for high pressure upstream connection. More precisely, an end piece 20 for medium pressure upstream connection cannot be connected to a lining 69 for high pressure connection, and a mouth piece 70 for high pressure connection cannot be connected to a lining 19 for medium pressure connection.

According to the invention, each of the gas outlets 7, 8, 13, 15 of the pressure reducing valve 4 has a connection gasket 19, 69 suitable for the connection of a nozzle 20, 70 of conjugate connection. Thus, the pressure reducing valve 4 of an apparatus according to the invention can be completely isolated from the diving devices, pipes and accessories. In this way, the arrangement, storage and transport of the self-contained diving breathing apparatus according to the invention can be done in much better conditions than in the prior art, avoiding kinking the pipes or damaging the fittings. . It is also possible in particular to store in a specific and careful manner the particularly fragile high pressure device 16, for example when it is a dive computer. An exemplary embodiment of the means 69, 70 for high pressure connection is shown in Figures 5a and 5b. The fitting 69 for connection includes an automatic valve 74 returned to the closed position by a spring 76 which pushes a ball 77 acting shutter against a valve seat 78. The nozzle 70 for high pressure connection also includes a valve 75 with automatic return to the closed position. This valve 75 comprises for this purpose a spring 79 which recalls a ball 80 for closing against a valve seat 81. The connection endpiece 70 comprises a junction sleeve 73 intended to be introduced into a sheath 72 of the connection lining 69. A seal 82 provides sealing in the connected position. This seal 85 surrounds the end of the junction sleeve 73 and is advantageously carried by the connection lining 69. The end piece 70 for high pressure connection comprises a rod 83 for actuating the valves 74, 75. This rod 83 is mounted to slide with clearance inside the junction sleeve 73, and protrudes axially outside the sleeve 73. The two springs 76, 79 of the valves 74, 75 are similar compression helical springs. The balls 77, 80 of the valves are also returned to the closed position by the pressure of the gas. The free end 84 of the sleeve 73 for joining the end piece 70 for high-pressure connection comprises at least one radial orifice 85 communicating with the internal axial bore of the sleeve 73 in which the actuating rod 83 slides with play. so, the gas can penetrate through these orifices 85 inside this bore and pass through the sleeve 73 to the valve 75 of the nozzle 70 for high pressure connection. The radial clearance between the actuating rod 83 and the axial bore of the sleeve 73 is in fact sufficient to allow the pressurized gas to pass through the sleeve 73.

The length of the sleeve 73 is such that its free end 84 pushes the obturation ball 77 of the valve 74 of the lining 69 when the end piece 70 is connected to this lining 69. Simultaneously, the ball 77 of obturation this valve 74 pushes the actuating rod 83 inside the sleeve 73, so that the sealing ball 80 of the valve 75 of the sleeve 70 is pushed back by this actuating rod 83. Therefore, at the connected state, the two valves 74, 75 are open (FIG. 5b). On the contrary, in the disconnected state, the two valves 74, 75 are closed (FIG. 5a).

The sleeve 73 for joining the connection piece 70 comprises a locking collar 86 in the form of a latch bolt adapted to cooperate with an internal ring 87 for locking the lining 69. This locking collar 86 is of revolution around the main axis of the connecting piece 70. It has a radial face oriented towards the end 71 of the connecting pipe 17 to come into locking abutment against a radial face of the locking ring 87 oriented towards the pressure reducing valve 4. The locking ring 87 comprises at least one portion projecting internally forming this radial locking face. This portion is adapted to be able to be engaged in a groove 88 formed downstream of the locking collar 86 on the sleeve 73. The locking ring 87 is mounted radially sliding inside the sheath 72 for joining the lining 69 of connection. A spring 89 pushes this locking ring 87 radially back into its locking position. Opposite this compression spring 89, the sheath 72 comprises an opening opening through its wall so as to allow access to the corresponding part opposite the locking ring 87. In this way, the user can unlock the fitting by exerting a radial thrust on the locking ring 87 against the spring 89, which moves this locking ring 87 to release its radial face from the locking collar 86 'end piece 70. To avoid any untimely unlocking, the lining 69 is provided with an external safety ring 90 returned by a spring 91 in a position where it at least partially covers the portion of the locking ring 87 accessible through 1' recess of the sheath 72. Thus, to unlock the connector, the user must firstly push in axial translation the safety ring 90 against the spring 91 so as to clear access to the ring 87 from locking, then while keeping this safety ring 90 pushed back, exert a radial thrust on the locking ring 87 as indicated above. The sleeve 73 for joining the end piece 70 for high pressure connection, the sheath 72 for joining the lining 69, the groove 88, the locking ring 87, the locking collar 86, the spring 89, the safety ring 90 and the axial compression spring 91 constitute means 72, 73, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 for connection / disconnection with manual actuation without tools means 69, 70 for high pressure upstream connection. And the connection / disconnection means with manual actuation without tools include means 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91 for locking in the connection position preventing any possibility of inadvertent disconnection, which consist of the locking collar 86, the internal locking ring 87, groove 88, spring 89 for returning ring 87, ring 87 for safety 90 and its spring 91 for axial return. In practice, it can be seen that in the connected position, it is not possible to radially move the ring 87 due to the high pressure of the gas passing through the connector. Thus, unlocking can only be carried out after depressurizing the high pressure circuit, for example by closing the valve 3 of the bottle. The end piece 70 for high pressure connection shown and described is a male part (sleeve 73) adapted to be inserted into the lining 69 for high pressure connection which is a female part (sheath 72). However, in a variant not shown, the reverse may be provided, the lining of the pressure reducing valve 4 being of the male type (similar to the end fitting shown), the end fitting of the pipe 17 being of the female type (similar to the lining shown ). It is also possible to completely reverse the end piece 70 and the connection lining 69 by adapting the threads and tappings necessary for the assemblies.

The end piece 70 and the high pressure connection fitting 69 can be of revolution around the axis of the connection to allow free relative rotation, or on the contrary of polygonal sections, or incorporate relative rotation locking means, to prevent any relative rotation.

The figures illustrate exemplary embodiments of the means 19, 20 for medium pressure connection and 69, 70 for high pressure connection. However, it is clear that these connection means can be the subject of various variant embodiments. In particular, the connection end pieces 20, 70 can either be added to the pipes 11, 17 after manufacture as in the variant shown, or be produced in one piece with the pipes 11, 17 with which they are associated. Likewise, the connection linings 19, 69 can either be added after manufacture to the pressure reducing valve 4, or be manufactured in one piece (monobloc) with the pressure reducing valve 4.

An autonomous compressed gas breathing apparatus with an open circuit for diving according to the invention makes it possible to immediately rescue a diver in difficulty, in particular in the event of exhaustion of his reserve of compressed gas. To do this, it suffices to disconnect the medium pressure connection pipe 11 from the pressure reducing valve 4 of the breathing apparatus of the diver in difficulty, in order to reconnect it to a pressure reducing valve 4 of another breathing device of another diver. Disconnection can easily be carried out under pressure and by plunging manually by actuating the unlocking ring 51 as indicated above. As for the connection, it is instantaneous and simply obtained by engagement of the end piece 20 for medium pressure connection in a gasket 19 for medium pressure connection.

The invention also makes it possible to preserve the hygiene of divers by avoiding the transmission of diseases, in particular viral diseases such as hepatitis. In addition, it facilitates the transport of the device by allowing its complete disassembly in complete safety.

Claims

CLAIMS 1 / - Self-contained compressed air breathing apparatus with open circuit for diving comprising:

- a portable reserve (1) of compressed high pressure respiratory gas, provided with at least one outlet (2) of high pressure gas,

- a high pressure regulator distributor (4) forming a first gas expansion stage, provided with at least one inlet (5) for high pressure gas and at least two outlets (7, 8, 13) for medium pressure gas ,

- means (6) for connecting at least one outlet (2) of high pressure gas from the reserve (1) to an inlet (5) for high pressure gas from the pressure reducing valve (4), - at least one device ( 9) oral and / or facial breathing comprising:

. a low pressure regulator forming a second expansion stage provided with a medium pressure gas inlet,. and valve means adapted to allow breathing on demand of gas delivered at low pressure by the low pressure regulator (4),

- at least one medium pressure connection pipe (11), at least one of which is connected to a buccal and / or facial breathing device (9), means (19, 20) for connecting upstream medium pressure between an upstream end of each medium pressure connection pipe (11) and one of the medium pressure gas outlets (7) of the pressure reducing valve (4), and means (22) for connecting downstream medium pressure between the other end (23) downstream of said medium pressure connection pipe (11) which is connected to the buccal and / or facial breathing device (9) and the medium pressure gas inlet (14) of the low pressure regulator of an buccal and / or breathing facial, characterized in that:

- Said means (19, 20) for connecting upstream medium pressure comprises a nozzle (20) of medium pressure connection associated with the upstream end of said medium pressure connection pipe (11) which is connected to the buccal and / or facial breathing device (9) and at least two medium pressure connection fittings (19) each associated with one of the medium pressure gas outlets (7, 8, 13) of the pressure reducing valve (4),

- the medium pressure connection end piece (20) and each medium pressure connection fitting (19) are adapted to be able to be connected to each other and form a sealed connection between them capable of transmitting the medium pressure gas leaving of the pressure reducing valve (4) in said medium pressure connection pipe (11), - the end piece (20) of medium pressure connection incorporates an automatic return valve (25) in the sealed closure position so that when it " is not connected to a medium pressure connection lining (19), this valve (25) seals the upstream end of said medium pressure connection pipe (11),

- each medium pressure connection gasket (19) incorporates an automatic valve (24) with a return to the sealed closure position so that when no medium pressure connection nozzle (20) is connected to this gasket (19) medium pressure connection, this valve (24) seals the corresponding medium pressure outlet (7, 8, 13) of the pressure reducing valve (4), - the medium pressure connection nozzle (20) and each gasket (19) medium pressure connection incorporates automatic means (26, 27) combined with actuation of the opening of the automatic valves (24, 25) active when the medium pressure connection end piece (20) is connected to a connection fitting (19) medium pressure, so that the automatic valves (24, 25) are open and allow the circulation of gas through the tight connection formed by the medium pressure connection end piece (20) connected to the medium pressure connection lining (19),

- Said means (19, 20) of medium pressure upstream connection comprise means (33, 34, 55, 56, 58, 59, 52, 53, 54, 51) for manual connection / disconnection in diving service adapted to allow the manual disconnection in diving service and at will of the medium pressure connection nozzle (20) of a medium pressure connection gasket (19) to which it was previously connected, and the manual diving connection of the nozzle (20 ) medium pressure connection to any of the fittings (19) medium pressure connection of a pressure reducing valve (4) of the self-contained breathing apparatus or other self-contained breathing apparatus.

2 / - Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure reducing valve (4) comprises at least one outlet (13) of emergency medium pressure gas equipped with a gasket (19) of medium pressure connection intended to be left free waiting during dive.

3 / - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that each of the medium pressure gas outlets (7, 8, 13) of the pressure reducing valve (4) is equipped with a gasket (19) of medium connection pressure and in that each medium pressure connection pipe (11, 12) has an upstream end which includes a medium pressure connection end piece (20). 4 / - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that all the linings (19) of medium pressure connection are identical and in that each of them comprises a standardized thread (29) adapted to be associated to a standardized thread (28) of an outlet (7, 8, 13) of medium pressure gas from the standardized pressure reducing valve (4).

5 / - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the means (33, 34, 55, 56, 58, 59, 52, 53, 54, 51) of manual connection / disconnection under pressure under diving include means (55, 56, 58, 59, 53, 54) for assembly and automatic locking by simple engagement in axial translation of the end piece (20) of medium pressure connection with respect to a lining (19) of medium pressure connection.

6 / - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the manual connection / disconnection means under diving pressure comprise at least one movable unlocking member (51) to be moved manually to unlock and separate the end piece (20) for medium pressure connection of a lining (19) for medium pressure connection.

7 / - Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the (the) member (s) (51) movable (s) unlocking are adapted to define at least two distinct movements necessary for unlocking, each of these two movements being distinct an axial translation in the direction away from the medium pressure connection lining (19).

8 / - Apparatus according to one of claims 6 and 7 characterized in that it comprises a movable member (51) for unlocking two separate successive movements necessary for unlocking, comprising a rotation and an axial translation in the direction of engagement towards the medium pressure connection lining (19). 9 / - Apparatus according to one of claims 6 to 8 characterized in that the movable unlocking member (51) is an outer ring (51) carried by each lining (19) of medium pressure connection. 10 / - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the pressure reducing valve (4) is provided with at least one outlet (15) of high pressure gas for the connection of at least one device (16) high pressure by a high pressure connection pipe (17), one upstream end (71) of which can be connected to such a high pressure gas outlet (15) by means (69, 70) of high pressure upstream connection, characterized in than :

- The high pressure connection means (69, 70) comprise a high pressure connection lining (69) fitted to an outlet (15) for high pressure gas, and a high pressure connection end piece (70) fitted to the pipe (17) high pressure connection,

- the high pressure connection end piece (70) and the high pressure connection lining (69) are adapted to be able to be connected to each other and form between them a sealed high pressure connection capable of transmitting gas at high pressure leaving the pressure reducing valve (4) in the high pressure connection pipe (17),

- the high pressure connection end piece (70) and the high pressure connection lining (69) include means (72, 73, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91) for manual actuation / disconnection without tools .

11 / - Apparatus according to claim 10 characterized in that the means of manual connection / disconnection without tools of the means (69, 70) of high pressure upstream connection comprise means (86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91) of locking in connection position preventing any possibility of inadvertent disconnection.

12 / - Apparatus according to one of claims 10 and 11 characterized in that each gasket (69) of high pressure connection comprises a standardized thread adapted to be associated with a standardized tapping of an outlet (15) of high pressure gas standardized pressure reducing valve (4), and in that the means (19, 20) of medium pressure upstream connection are not compatible with the means (69, 70) of high pressure upstream connection.

13 / - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that each of the gas outlets (7, 8, 13, 15) of the pressure reducing valve (4) comprises a gasket (19, 69) suitable for connection the connection of a conjugate connection end piece (20, 70).

14 / - A method of using a self-contained breathing apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that at least two outlets (7, 8, 13) of medium pressure gas from the pressure reducing valve (4 ) with a medium pressure connection lining (19) capable of receiving a medium pressure connection end piece (20) fitted to an upstream end of a medium pressure connection pipe (11).

15 / - A method according to claim 14, characterized in that it leaves free waiting during diving at least one gasket (19) fitted to one (13) of the outlets (7, 8, 13) of medium pressure gas , so as to have at least one emergency medium pressure gas outlet (13) during the dive.