WO2003024778A1 - Diving system with surface air supply - Google Patents

Diving system with surface air supply Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2003024778A1
WO2003024778A1 PCT/FR2002/003060 FR0203060W WO03024778A1 WO 2003024778 A1 WO2003024778 A1 WO 2003024778A1 FR 0203060 W FR0203060 W FR 0203060W WO 03024778 A1 WO03024778 A1 WO 03024778A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pipe
diving system
reel
diving
rope
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR2002/003060
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Benoît Saillet
Manuel Roure
Original Assignee
Salomon S.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Salomon S.A. filed Critical Salomon S.A.
Priority to EP02774917A priority Critical patent/EP1425213A1/en
Publication of WO2003024778A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003024778A1/en

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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63CLAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C11/00Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects
    • B63C11/02Divers' equipment
    • B63C11/18Air supply
    • B63C11/20Air supply from water surface
    • B63C11/205Air supply from water surface with air supply by suction from diver, e.g. snorkels
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63CLAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C11/00Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects
    • B63C11/02Divers' equipment
    • B63C11/12Diving masks
    • B63C11/16Diving masks with air supply by suction from diver, e.g. snorkels
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63CLAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C11/00Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects
    • B63C11/02Divers' equipment
    • B63C11/18Air supply
    • B63C11/20Air supply from water surface
    • B63C11/202Air supply from water surface with forced air supply

Definitions

  • the invention relates to scuba diving systems of the “hookah” type, that is to say systems in which the breathable gas consumed underwater by the diver is stored in a tank which remains on the surface. water during the dive.
  • the breathing gas is brought to the plunger by a supply pipe which is connected to the tank and the free end of which is provided, for example, with a mouthpiece or a face mask.
  • This pipe has a length which can be for example between 2 and 20 meters in order to allow the diver to reach a certain depth and to circulate underwater freely.
  • this length of pipe is sometimes annoying because, when the plunger remains close to the tank, it has an excess length which promotes the formation of loops.
  • the pipe can then very easily knot on itself or can catch on rocks or floating objects on the surface, in particular the tank.
  • the plunger may itself become entangled in the excess length of hose. If in most cases such a situation is only inconvenient, it sometimes happens that it jeopardizes the safety of the diver.
  • the invention proposes a scuba diving system comprising a floating assembly incorporating a tank of breathing gas, of the type in which the underwater diver is connected to the tank by a pipe for supplying breathing gas, characterized in that the system includes a device for adjusting the useful length of the pipe between the tank and the plunger.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a diving system comprising a reel of the supply pipe
  • Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a diving system comprising a reel whose return energy is provided by an onboard counterweight
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a diving system provided with a supply pipe comprising articulated rigid sections
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a semi-rigid pipe preformed in a spiral
  • Figure 6 illustrates a variant of the embodiment of Figure 5
  • FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment in which the automatic length adjustment is carried out using a counterweight acting directly on the pipe.
  • a diving system 10 of the "hookah” type which includes an air tank 12 floating on the surface of the water and a supply circuit 14 for allowing a diver swimming under the water to breathe the gas mixture contained in the tank.
  • the air tank 12 is here integrated into a floating assembly 15 which has a hydrodynamic shape.
  • the distribution circuit 14 is connected by an upstream end to the reservoir 12, and its downstream end is formed by a mouthpiece 16 or a facial mask. Between the two extends a supply pipe 18 whose length is preferably between 2 and 20 meters, more preferably between 5 and 10 meters.
  • the supply pipe 18 is fixed to the plunger by means of a harness 20 or a belt, the pipe 18 thus having a free section 22 between the harness 20 and the mouthpiece 16 of so that no tensile force passes through this endpiece 16.
  • the system 10 comprises means for adjusting the length of the pipe between the reservoir 12 and the plunger so that the useful part of the pipe 18 remains substantially taut so as not to make loops. Indeed, for a given position of the plunger relative to the floating assembly 15, the useful length of the pipe corresponds substantially to the direct distance separating the plunger from the floating assembly. The rest of the length of the pipe can be qualified, for this given position of the plunger, as excess length.
  • the pipe 18 is wound on a reel 24 fixed to the floating assembly, and the reel 24 is provided with a return device which rewinds the pipe 18 automatically when the plunger approaches the floating assembly 15, but which lets the pipe 18 unwind when the plunger moves away from the float.
  • the length is therefore adjusted dynamically (or automatically) as a function of the distance at a given instant of the diver from the floating assembly 15.
  • the reel is fixed under the underside of the floating assembly 15, and it can switch between a service position (illustrated in Figure 1) and a retracted position (not shown) in which it is received in a recess formed in the hollow on the underside of the floating assembly.
  • the automatic winding return is for example ensured by a spiral spring which biases the reel in the direction of winding the pipe.
  • the reel 24 is on board the floating assembly 15.
  • the return device is here produced in the form of a counterweight 26 attached to the end of a rope 28 intended for wind on an auxiliary reel 30 coaxial with the reel 24 of the pipe 18.
  • the two reels 24, 30 are joined by a disengageable coupling device 32 which, as long as it is not disengaged, maintains the two reels integral in rotation about their common axis.
  • This device 32 may for example consist of an axial finger capable of sliding between a coupling position in which it is engaged simultaneously in the two winders 24, 30, and a disengaged position in which it is released from one of the reels to allow relative rotation between the two.
  • the pipe 18 and the rope 28 are wound against the grain on their respective reels.
  • the pipe 18 then remains wound on its reel 24.
  • the plunger again couples the two reels 24, 30 thanks to the device 32, and it can then hang the pipe 18 on its harness 20 and start his dive.
  • the pipe 18 unwinds from its reel 24, which at the same time causes the winding of the rope 28 on the auxiliary reel 30, therefore a ascent of the counterweight 26.
  • the pipe is no longer under tension with respect to its reel 24.
  • the counterweight 26 tends to descend by unwinding the rope 28 , but at the same time winding the pipe 18 on the reel 24 since the pipe and the rope are wound against the grain on their reels.
  • the counterweight 26, the rope 28 and the auxiliary reel 30 form a return device which causes the automatic winding of any excess length of the pipe between the plunger and the tank.
  • This second embodiment has the advantage of exerting a substantially constant restoring force whatever the length of the hose unwound, which is difficult to achieve with a spring mechanism.
  • the reel 24 to include a pipe guiding device 18 to cause an ordered winding of the pipe.
  • the pipe is no longer a continuous flexible pipe but a pipe which is composed of sections 36 substantially rigid connected to each other by joints.
  • These joints 38 preferably include at least two degrees of freedom in rotation, and they are provided with elastic return means 40 so as to always bring the sections 36 of the pipe to a folded configuration.
  • the pipe therefore unfolds like an accordion as the plunger moves away from the float assembly, and it automatically folds back when the plunger approaches the float assembly.
  • the pipe 18 is made of a semi-rigid material preformed so that it can lengthen and shorten automatically.
  • the pipe is here preformed into a helical profile, like a telephone cord. The pipe 18 therefore automatically adjusts to the necessary useful length.
  • the preformed pipe is supported by a complementary return member to improve the ability of the pipe to return to its shortest compact configuration.
  • a rope 42 mounted on an automatic reel 44, could be connected to the downstream end of the pipe 18 to bring it back towards the floating assembly.
  • the rope is attached not directly to the downstream end of the pipe 18, but on the harness 20 of the plunger to which the pipe is also attached.
  • the rope 42 extends along the pipe and, so that the pipe does not shift laterally with respect to the rope, the latter passes through rings 46 which are fixed at regular intervals along the pipe, for example at the level of each turn. The rope slides freely in the rings 46.
  • FIG. 6 a variant of the previous embodiment is illustrated in which the rope 42 extends axially at the center of the helical profile of the pipe 18, which makes it possible to dispense with the presence of the rings.
  • the complementary return member can also be produced in the form of an elastic cord extending along the pipe or in the form of an elastic sheath surrounding the helical pipe to allow the extension of the pipe up to a length maximum useful and to resiliently recall the pipe to its compact configuration.
  • a counterweight 48 is slidably mounted on a loop 49 formed by an excess section of the pipe.
  • the counterweight 48 is in fact mounted, preferably by means of a pulley 50, on a section of the pipe comprised between its upstream end (that which is connected to the reservoir), and a first return pulley 52 which is fixed to the floating assembly 15.
  • the first deflection pulley 52 is located near the connection of the pipe 18 on the tank.
  • the pipe passes over a second return pulley 54 which is arranged at the other end of the floating assembly.
  • the useful section of the pipe is therefore the downstream part of the pipe which extends between the plunger and the second return 54.
  • the length of this useful section varies, but it is automatically adjusted by the presence of the counterweight 48. In fact, the latter tends to lengthen the length of the loop 49, which is submerged under the floating assembly and therefore serves to store the length of the pipe which is in excess of the useful length.
  • the useful length increases and the excess length stored in the loop 49 decreases, which brings up the counterweight 48.
  • the plunger approaches the floating assembly it decreases the tension on the useful length of the pipe so that the weight of the counterweight 48 catches up with the length excess by causing an elongation of the loop 49.
  • the excess section of the pipe is therefore stored outside the floating assembly, unlike for example those illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 in which the excess section is stored on the floating assembly (even if, in Figure 1, the reel is submerged).

Abstract

The invention concerns an underwater diving system comprising a floating assembly (15) including a breathing mixture tank (12), the underwater diver being connected to the tank (12) through a conduit (18) for supplying breathing mixture. The invention is characterized in that the system (10) comprises a device (24) for adjusting the useful length of the conduit (18) between the tank (12) and the diver.

Description

SYSTEME DE PLONGEE AVEC ALIMENTATION D ' AIR DEPUIS LA SURFACE DE L ' EAUDIVING SYSTEM WITH AIR SUPPLY FROM THE SURFACE OF THE WATER
L'invention se rapporte aux systèmes de plongée sous-marine de type « narguilé », c'est-à- dire les systèmes dans lesquels le gaz respirable consommé sous l'eau par le plongeur est stocké dans un réservoir qui reste à la surface de l'eau au cours de la plongée.The invention relates to scuba diving systems of the “hookah” type, that is to say systems in which the breathable gas consumed underwater by the diver is stored in a tank which remains on the surface. water during the dive.
Le gaz respirable est amené au plongeur par un tuyau d'alimentation qui est branché sur le réservoir et dont l'extrémité libre est munie par exemple d'un embout buccal ou d'un masque facial.The breathing gas is brought to the plunger by a supply pipe which is connected to the tank and the free end of which is provided, for example, with a mouthpiece or a face mask.
Ce tuyau présente une longueur qui peut être comprise par exemple entre 2 et 20 mètres afin de permettre au plongeur d'atteindre une certaine profondeur et de circuler sous l'eau librement. Cependant, cette longueur de tuyau est parfois gênante car, lorsque le plongeur reste proche du réservoir, elle présente une longueur excédentaire qui favorise la formation de boucles. Le tuyau peut alors très aisément faire des nœuds sur lui-même ou peut s'accrocher aux rochers ou à des objets flottants à la surface, notamment le réservoir. Le plongeur peut lui- même s'empêtrer dans la longueur excédentaire de tuyau. Si dans la plupart des cas une telle situation n'est que malcommode, il arrive parfois que cela mette en péril la sécurité du plongeur.This pipe has a length which can be for example between 2 and 20 meters in order to allow the diver to reach a certain depth and to circulate underwater freely. However, this length of pipe is sometimes annoying because, when the plunger remains close to the tank, it has an excess length which promotes the formation of loops. The pipe can then very easily knot on itself or can catch on rocks or floating objects on the surface, in particular the tank. The plunger may itself become entangled in the excess length of hose. If in most cases such a situation is only inconvenient, it sometimes happens that it jeopardizes the safety of the diver.
Pour résoudre ce problème, l'invention propose un système de plongée sous-marine comportant un ensemble flottant incorporant un réservoir de gaz respirable, du type dans lequel le plongeur sous-marin est relié au réservoir par un tuyau d'alimentation en gaz respirable, caractérisé en ce que le système comporte un dispositif d'ajustement de la longueur utile du tuyau entre le réservoir et le plongeur.To solve this problem, the invention proposes a scuba diving system comprising a floating assembly incorporating a tank of breathing gas, of the type in which the underwater diver is connected to the tank by a pipe for supplying breathing gas, characterized in that the system includes a device for adjusting the useful length of the pipe between the tank and the plunger.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui suit et dans les dessins annexés dans lesquels : la figure 1 illustre un système de plongée comportant un enrouleur du tuyau d'alimentation ; les figures 2 et 3 illustrent un système de plongée comportant un enrouleur dont l'énergie de rappel est fournie par un contrepoids embarqué ; la figure 4 illustre un système de plongée muni d'un tuyau d'alimentation comportant des tronçons rigides articulés ; et la figure 5 illustre un tuyau semi-rigide préformé en spirale ; la figure 6 illustre une variante du mode de réalisation de la figure 5 ; et la figure 7 illustre un mode de réalisation dans laquelle l'ajustement automatique de longueur est réalisé à l'aide d'un contrepoids agissant directement sur le tuyau. On a illustré sur la figure 1 un système de plongée 10 de type « narguilé » qui comprend un réservoir d'air 12 flottant à la surface de l'eau et un circuit d'alimentation 14 destiné à permettre à un plongeur nageant sous l'eau de respirer le mélange gazeux contenu dans le réservoir. Le réservoir d'air 12 est ici intégré à un ensemble flottant 15 qui présente une forme hydrodynamique. Le circuit de distribution 14 est branché par une extrémité amont sur le réservoir 12, et son extrémité aval est formée d'un embout buccal 16 ou d'un masque facial. Entre le deux s'étend un tuyau d'alimentation 18 dont la longueur est de préférence comprise entre 2 et 20 mètres, plus préférentiellement entre 5 et 10 mètres. Selon un aspect avantageux, le tuyau d'alimentation 18 est fixé au plongeur par l'intermédiaire d'un harnais 20 ou d'une ceinture, le tuyau 18 présentant ainsi un tronçon libre 22 entre le harnais 20 et l'embout buccal 16 de telle sorte qu'aucun effort de traction ne passe par cet embout 16.Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows and in the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a diving system comprising a reel of the supply pipe; Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a diving system comprising a reel whose return energy is provided by an onboard counterweight; FIG. 4 illustrates a diving system provided with a supply pipe comprising articulated rigid sections; and FIG. 5 illustrates a semi-rigid pipe preformed in a spiral; Figure 6 illustrates a variant of the embodiment of Figure 5; and FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment in which the automatic length adjustment is carried out using a counterweight acting directly on the pipe. Is illustrated in Figure 1 a diving system 10 of the "hookah" type which includes an air tank 12 floating on the surface of the water and a supply circuit 14 for allowing a diver swimming under the water to breathe the gas mixture contained in the tank. The air tank 12 is here integrated into a floating assembly 15 which has a hydrodynamic shape. The distribution circuit 14 is connected by an upstream end to the reservoir 12, and its downstream end is formed by a mouthpiece 16 or a facial mask. Between the two extends a supply pipe 18 whose length is preferably between 2 and 20 meters, more preferably between 5 and 10 meters. According to an advantageous aspect, the supply pipe 18 is fixed to the plunger by means of a harness 20 or a belt, the pipe 18 thus having a free section 22 between the harness 20 and the mouthpiece 16 of so that no tensile force passes through this endpiece 16.
Selon l'invention, le système 10 comporte des moyens pour ajuster la longueur du tuyau entre le réservoir 12 et le plongeur de manière que la partie utile du tuyau 18 reste sensiblement tendu pour ne pas faire de boucles. En effet, pour une position donnée du plongeur par rapport à l'ensemble flottant 15, la longueur utile du tuyau correspond sensiblement à la distance directe séparant le plongeur de l'ensemble flottant. Le reste de la longueur du tuyau peut être qualifié, pour cette position donnée du plongeur, de longueur excédentaire.According to the invention, the system 10 comprises means for adjusting the length of the pipe between the reservoir 12 and the plunger so that the useful part of the pipe 18 remains substantially taut so as not to make loops. Indeed, for a given position of the plunger relative to the floating assembly 15, the useful length of the pipe corresponds substantially to the direct distance separating the plunger from the floating assembly. The rest of the length of the pipe can be qualified, for this given position of the plunger, as excess length.
Dans les deux exemples de réalisation illustrés respectivement à la figure 1 et aux figures 2 et 3, le tuyau 18 est enroulé sur un enrouleur 24 fixé à l'ensemble flottant, et l'enrouleur 24 est muni d'un dispositif de rappel qui rembobine automatiquement le tuyau 18 lorsque le plongeur se rapproche de l'ensemble flottant 15, mais qui laisse le tuyau 18 se dérouler lorsque le plongeur s'écarte du flotteur. Dans les deux cas, l'ajustement de la longueur se fait donc de manière dynamique (ou automatique) en fonction de Péloignement à un instant donné du plongeur par rapport à l'ensemble flottant 15.In the two embodiments illustrated respectively in FIG. 1 and in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pipe 18 is wound on a reel 24 fixed to the floating assembly, and the reel 24 is provided with a return device which rewinds the pipe 18 automatically when the plunger approaches the floating assembly 15, but which lets the pipe 18 unwind when the plunger moves away from the float. In both cases, the length is therefore adjusted dynamically (or automatically) as a function of the distance at a given instant of the diver from the floating assembly 15.
Dans le premier exemple de réalisation illustré à la figure 1, l'enrouleur est fixé sous la face inférieure de l'ensemble flottant 15, et il peut basculer entre une position de service (illustrée à la figure 1) et une position escamotée (non représentée) dans laquelle il est reçu dans un logement réalisé en creux dans la face inférieure de l'ensemble flottant. Le rappel automatique d'enroulement est par exemple assuré par un ressort spiral qui sollicite l'enrouleur dans le sens de l'enroulement du tuyau.In the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the reel is fixed under the underside of the floating assembly 15, and it can switch between a service position (illustrated in Figure 1) and a retracted position (not shown) in which it is received in a recess formed in the hollow on the underside of the floating assembly. The automatic winding return is for example ensured by a spiral spring which biases the reel in the direction of winding the pipe.
Dans le deuxième exemple illustré sur la figure 2, l'enrouleur 24 est embarqué sur l'ensemble flottant 15. Le dispositif de rappel est ici réalisé sous la forme d'un contrepoids 26 accroché à l'extrémité d'un filin 28 destiné à s'enrouler sur un enrouleur auxiliaire 30 coaxial à l'enrouleur 24 du tuyau 18. Les deux enrouleurs 24, 30 sont réunis par un dispositif d'accouplement débrayable 32 qui, tant qu'il n'est pas débrayé, maintient les deux enrouleurs solidaires en rotation autour de leur axe commun. Ce dispositif 32 peut être par exemple constitué d'un doigt axial susceptible de coulisser entre une position d'accouplement dans laquelle il est engagé simultanément dans les deux enrouleurs 24, 30, et une position débrayée dans laquelle il est dégagé de l'un des enrouleurs pour permettre une rotation relative entre les deux. Par ailleurs, le tuyau 18 et le filin 28 sont enroulés à contre-sens sur leurs enrouleurs respectifs. Dans une position de départ, lorsque le matériel est rangé, le tuyau 18 et le filin 28 sont enroulés sur leur enrouleurs respectifs 24, 30. Lorsque le plongeur veut s'immerger en utilisant l'air contenu dans le réservoir 12, il commence par découpler les deux enrouleurs pour dérouler le filin 28 en laissant ainsi descendre le contrepoids 26 dans l'eau, vers le fond. On notera que dans le mode de réalisation proposé, avant de plonger dans l'eau, le filin 28 passe sur une poulie de renvoi 34 agencée à l'extrémité opposée de l'ensemble flottant 15 par rapport aux enrouleurs 24, 30, ceci pour que le filin 28 ne s'entortille pas avec le tuyau 18.In the second example illustrated in FIG. 2, the reel 24 is on board the floating assembly 15. The return device is here produced in the form of a counterweight 26 attached to the end of a rope 28 intended for wind on an auxiliary reel 30 coaxial with the reel 24 of the pipe 18. The two reels 24, 30 are joined by a disengageable coupling device 32 which, as long as it is not disengaged, maintains the two reels integral in rotation about their common axis. This device 32 may for example consist of an axial finger capable of sliding between a coupling position in which it is engaged simultaneously in the two winders 24, 30, and a disengaged position in which it is released from one of the reels to allow relative rotation between the two. Furthermore, the pipe 18 and the rope 28 are wound against the grain on their respective reels. In a starting position, when the material is stored, the pipe 18 and the rope 28 are wound on their respective reels 24, 30. When the plunger wants to immerse themselves using the air contained in the tank 12, it begins with decouple the two winders to unwind the rope 28, thus allowing the counterweight 26 to descend into the water, towards the bottom. Note that in the proposed embodiment, before diving into the water, the rope 28 passes over a return pulley 34 arranged at the opposite end of the floating assembly 15 relative to the reels 24, 30, this for that the rope 28 does not twist with the pipe 18.
Le tuyau 18 reste alors enroulé sur son enrouleur 24. Lorsque le contrepoids 26 a atteint la profondeur voulue, le plongeur accouple de nouveau les deux enrouleurs 24, 30 grâce au dispositif 32, et il peut alors accrocher le tuyau 18 à son harnais 20 et entamer sa plongée. Au fur et à mesure que le plongeur s'éloigne de l'ensemble flottant 15, le tuyau 18 se déroule de son enrouleur 24, ce qui provoque dans le même temps l'enroulement du filin 28 sur l'enrouleur auxiliaire 30, donc une remontée du contrepoids 26. Lorsque le plongeur se rapproche de l'ensemble flottant 15, le tuyau n'est plus en tension par rapport à son enrouleur 24. Or, dans le même temps, le contrepoids 26 tend à redescendre en déroulant le filin 28, mais en enroulant dans le même temps le tuyau 18 sur l'enrouleur 24 puisque le tuyau et le filin sont enroulés à contre-sens sur leurs enrouleurs. Il en résulte que le contrepoids 26, le filin 28 et l'enrouleur auxiliaire 30 forment un dispositif de rappel qui provoque l'enroulement automatique de toute longueur excédentaire du tuyau entre le plongeur et le réservoir.The pipe 18 then remains wound on its reel 24. When the counterweight 26 has reached the desired depth, the plunger again couples the two reels 24, 30 thanks to the device 32, and it can then hang the pipe 18 on its harness 20 and start his dive. As the plunger moves away from the floating assembly 15, the pipe 18 unwinds from its reel 24, which at the same time causes the winding of the rope 28 on the auxiliary reel 30, therefore a ascent of the counterweight 26. When the plunger approaches the floating assembly 15, the pipe is no longer under tension with respect to its reel 24. However, at the same time, the counterweight 26 tends to descend by unwinding the rope 28 , but at the same time winding the pipe 18 on the reel 24 since the pipe and the rope are wound against the grain on their reels. As a result, the counterweight 26, the rope 28 and the auxiliary reel 30 form a return device which causes the automatic winding of any excess length of the pipe between the plunger and the tank.
Ce second mode de réalisation présente l'avantage d'exercer une force de rappel sensiblement constante quelle que soit la longueur de tuyau déroulée, ce qui est difficile à réaliser avec un mécanisme à ressort.This second embodiment has the advantage of exerting a substantially constant restoring force whatever the length of the hose unwound, which is difficult to achieve with a spring mechanism.
Par ailleurs, en déterminant la longueur de filin que le plongeur déroule avant de plonger, il détermine la profondeur maximale à laquelle il peut descendre. En effet, lorsque le contrepoids 26 est remonté jusqu'au niveau de l'ensemble flottant, il arrive en butée et empêche tout déroulement supplémentaire du tuyau. Le plongeur ressent alors cette tension et sait qu'il a atteint la profondeur maximale qu'il s'était initialement fixée. On peut prévoir d'autres modes de réalisation d'un tel dispositif réglable de limitation de la longueur utile du tuyau.Furthermore, by determining the length of rope that the diver unrolls before diving, he determines the maximum depth to which he can descend. When the counterweight 26 is raised to the level of the floating assembly, it comes into abutment and prevents any further unwinding of the pipe. The diver then feels this tension and knows that he has reached the maximum depth that he had originally set. Other embodiments of such an adjustable device can be provided for limiting the useful length of the pipe.
Dans les deux modes de réalisation précédents, on prévoira avantageusement que l'enrouleur 24 comporte un dispositif de guidage du tuyau 18 pour provoquer un enroulement ordonné du tuyau.In the two preceding embodiments, provision will advantageously be made for the reel 24 to include a pipe guiding device 18 to cause an ordered winding of the pipe.
Dans l'exemple de réalisation illustré schématiquement à la figure 4, le tuyau n'est plus un tuyau flexible continu mais un tuyau qui est composé de tronçons 36 sensiblement rigides reliés les uns aux autres par des articulations. Ces articulations 38 comportent de préférence au moins deux degrés de liberté en rotation, et elles sont munies des moyens de rappel élastique 40 de manière à toujours ramener les tronçons 36 du tuyau vers une configuration repliée. Le tuyau se déplie donc à la manière d'un accordéon au fur et à mesure que le plongeur s'écarte de l'ensemble flottant, et il se replie automatiquement lorsque le plongeur se rapproche de l'ensemble flottant.In the embodiment illustrated schematically in Figure 4, the pipe is no longer a continuous flexible pipe but a pipe which is composed of sections 36 substantially rigid connected to each other by joints. These joints 38 preferably include at least two degrees of freedom in rotation, and they are provided with elastic return means 40 so as to always bring the sections 36 of the pipe to a folded configuration. The pipe therefore unfolds like an accordion as the plunger moves away from the float assembly, and it automatically folds back when the plunger approaches the float assembly.
Dans le mode de réalisation de la figure 5, le tuyau 18 est réalisé en un matériau semi- rigide préformé de manière à pouvoir s'allonger et à se raccourcir automatiquement. Le tuyau est ici préformé selon un profil hélicoïdal, à la manière d'un cordon téléphonique. Le tuyau 18 s'ajuste donc automatiquement à la longueur utile nécessaire.In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the pipe 18 is made of a semi-rigid material preformed so that it can lengthen and shorten automatically. The pipe is here preformed into a helical profile, like a telephone cord. The pipe 18 therefore automatically adjusts to the necessary useful length.
En option, le tuyau préformé est secondé par un organe de rappel complémentaire pour améliorer la capacité du tuyau à revenir dans sa configuration compacte la plus courte. Par exemple, un filin 42, monté sur un enrouleur automatique 44, pourra être relié à l'extrémité aval du tuyau 18 pour la ramener en direction de l'ensemble flottant. Dans l'exemple de la figure 5, le filin est attaché non pas directement à l'extrémité aval du tuyau 18, mais sur le harnais 20 du plongeur auquel le tuyau est lui aussi fixé. Le filin 42 s'étend le long du tuyau et, pour que le tuyau ne se décale pas latéralement par rapport au filin, ce dernier passe au travers d'anneaux 46 qui sont fixés à intervalles réguliers le long de tuyau, par exemple au niveau de chaque spire. Le filin coulisse librement dans les anneaux 46.Optionally, the preformed pipe is supported by a complementary return member to improve the ability of the pipe to return to its shortest compact configuration. For example, a rope 42, mounted on an automatic reel 44, could be connected to the downstream end of the pipe 18 to bring it back towards the floating assembly. In the example of FIG. 5, the rope is attached not directly to the downstream end of the pipe 18, but on the harness 20 of the plunger to which the pipe is also attached. The rope 42 extends along the pipe and, so that the pipe does not shift laterally with respect to the rope, the latter passes through rings 46 which are fixed at regular intervals along the pipe, for example at the level of each turn. The rope slides freely in the rings 46.
A la figure 6, on a illustré une variante du mode de réalisation précédent dans laquelle le filin 42 s'étend axialement au centre du profil hélicoïdal du tuyau 18, ce qui permet de se dispenser de la présence des anneaux.In FIG. 6, a variant of the previous embodiment is illustrated in which the rope 42 extends axially at the center of the helical profile of the pipe 18, which makes it possible to dispense with the presence of the rings.
L'organe de rappel complémentaire peut aussi être réalisé sous la forme d'un filin élastique s' étendant le long du tuyau ou sous la forme d'une gaine élastique entourant le tuyau hélicoïdal pour permettre l'extension du tuyau jusqu'à une longueur utile maximale et pour rappeler élastiquement le tuyau vers sa configuration compacte.The complementary return member can also be produced in the form of an elastic cord extending along the pipe or in the form of an elastic sheath surrounding the helical pipe to allow the extension of the pipe up to a length maximum useful and to resiliently recall the pipe to its compact configuration.
A la figure 7, on a illustré un mode de réalisation dans lequel un contrepoids 48 est monté à coulissement sur une boucle 49 formée par un tronçon excédentaire du tuyau. Le contrepoids 48 est en effet monté, de préférence par l'intermédiaire d'une poulie 50, sur un tronçon du tuyau compris entre son extrémité amont (celle qui est branchée sur le réservoir), et une première poulie de renvoi 52 qui est fixée à l'ensemble flottant 15. La première poulie de renvoi 52 est située à proximité du branchement du tuyau 18 sur le réservoir. Le tuyau passe sur une seconde poulie de renvoi 54 qui est agencée à l'autre extrémité de l'ensemble flottant. Dans ce mode de réalisation, le tronçon utile du tuyau est donc la partie aval du tuyau qui s'étend entre le plongeur et le second renvoi 54. En fonction de la distance à laquelle se trouve le plongeur de l'ensemble flottant, la longueur de ce tronçon utile varie, mais elle est automatiquement ajustée par la présence du contrepoids 48. En effet, ce dernier tend à allonger la longueur de la boucle 49, laquelle est immergée sous l'ensemble flottant et sert donc à stocker la longueur du tuyau qui est excédentaire par rapport à la longueur utile. Lorsque le plongeur s'éloigne de l'ensemble flottant, la longueur utile augmente et la longueur excédentaire stockée dans la boucle 49 diminue, ce qui fait remonter le contrepoids 48. Au contraire, lorsque le plongeur se rapproche de l'ensemble flottant, il diminue la tension sur la longueur utile du tuyau si bien que le poids du contrepoids 48 rattrape la longueur excédentaire en provoquant un allongement de la boucle 49. Dans ce dernier mode de réalisation, le tronçon excédentaire du tuyau est donc stocké en dehors de l'ensemble flottant, contrairement par exemple à ceux illustrés aux figures 1 et 2 dans lesquels le tronçon excédentaire est stocké sur l'ensemble flottant (même si, à la figure 1, l'enrouleur est immergé). In Figure 7, an embodiment is illustrated in which a counterweight 48 is slidably mounted on a loop 49 formed by an excess section of the pipe. The counterweight 48 is in fact mounted, preferably by means of a pulley 50, on a section of the pipe comprised between its upstream end (that which is connected to the reservoir), and a first return pulley 52 which is fixed to the floating assembly 15. The first deflection pulley 52 is located near the connection of the pipe 18 on the tank. The pipe passes over a second return pulley 54 which is arranged at the other end of the floating assembly. In this embodiment, the useful section of the pipe is therefore the downstream part of the pipe which extends between the plunger and the second return 54. Depending on the distance at which the plunger of the floating assembly is located, the length of this useful section varies, but it is automatically adjusted by the presence of the counterweight 48. In fact, the latter tends to lengthen the length of the loop 49, which is submerged under the floating assembly and therefore serves to store the length of the pipe which is in excess of the useful length. When the plunger moves away from the floating assembly, the useful length increases and the excess length stored in the loop 49 decreases, which brings up the counterweight 48. On the contrary, when the plunger approaches the floating assembly, it decreases the tension on the useful length of the pipe so that the weight of the counterweight 48 catches up with the length excess by causing an elongation of the loop 49. In this last embodiment, the excess section of the pipe is therefore stored outside the floating assembly, unlike for example those illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 in which the excess section is stored on the floating assembly (even if, in Figure 1, the reel is submerged).

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Système de plongée sous-marine comportant un ensemble flottant (15) incorporant un réservoir de gaz respirable (12), du type dans lequel le plongeur sous-marin est relié au réservoir (12) par un tuyau d'alimentation (18) en gaz respirable, et du type dans lequel le système (10) comporte un dispositif d'ajustement de la longueur utile du tuyau (18) entre le réservoir (12) et le plongeur, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif d'ajustement est un dispositif dynamique qui adapte automatiquement la longueur utile du tuyau (18) en fonction de l'éloignement du plongeur par rapport au à l'ensemble flottant (15).1. Scuba diving system comprising a floating assembly (15) incorporating a breathable gas tank (12), of the type in which the underwater diver is connected to the tank (12) by a supply pipe (18) made of breathable gas, and of the type in which the system (10) comprises a device for adjusting the useful length of the pipe (18) between the tank (12) and the plunger, characterized in that the adjustment device is a dynamic device which automatically adapts the useful length of the hose (18) as a function of the distance of the plunger from the floating assembly (15).
2. Système de plongée selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif d'ajustement dynamique comporte un dispositif réglable de limitation de la longueur utile du tuyau.2. Diving system according to claim 1, characterized in that the dynamic adjustment device comprises an adjustable device for limiting the useful length of the pipe.
3. Système de plongée selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le système d'ajustement comporte un contrepoids (48) qui est solidaire du tronçon excédentaire (49) du tuyau (18), le contrepoids (26) et une partie au moins du tronçon excédentaire (49) du tuyau étant immergé librement sous l'eau.3. Diving system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment system comprises a counterweight (48) which is integral with the excess section (49) of the pipe (18), the counterweight (26) and at least part of the excess section (49) of the pipe being immersed freely under water.
4. Système de plongée selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que le tuyau (18) est semi-rigide et préformé dans une configuration compacte dans laquelle il présente une longueur utile minimale, et en ce que le tuyau peut être déformé élastiquement pour allonger sa longueur utile.4. Diving system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the pipe (18) is semi-rigid and preformed in a compact configuration in which it has a minimum useful length, and in that the pipe can be elastically deformed to extend its useful length.
5. Système de plongée selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif d'ajustement comporte en outre un organe de rappel complémentaire du tuyau semi- rigide vers sa configuration compacte.5. Diving system according to claim 4, characterized in that the adjustment device further comprises a complementary return member of the semi-rigid pipe towards its compact configuration.
6. Système de plongée selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que l'organe de rappel complémentaire comporte un filin de rappel (42) qui est monté sur un enrouleur automatique (44), l'enrouleur (44) étant solidaire d'une extrémité du tuyau semi-rigide (18) et l'extrémité libre du filin de rappel (42) étant solidaire de l'autre extrémité du tuyau.6. Diving system according to claim 5, characterized in that the complementary return member comprises a return rope (42) which is mounted on an automatic reel (44), the reel (44) being integral with a end of the semi-rigid pipe (18) and the free end of the return rope (42) being integral with the other end of the pipe.
7. Système de plongée selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que l'organe de rappel complémentaire est constitué d'un filin élastique.7. Diving system according to claim 5, characterized in that the complementary return member consists of an elastic rope.
8. Système de plongée selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que le tuyau (18) est préformé en spirale.8. Diving system according to claim 4, characterized in that the pipe (18) is preformed in a spiral.
9. Système de plongée selon les revendications 6 et 8 prises en combinaison, caractérisé en ce que le filin s'étend au centre des spirales.9. Diving system according to claims 6 and 8 taken in combination, characterized in that the rope extends in the center of the spirals.
10. Système de plongée selon les revendications 6 et 8 prises en combinaison, caractérisé en ce que le filin est lié à chacune des spirales.10. Diving system according to claims 6 and 8 taken in combination, characterized in that the rope is linked to each of the spirals.
11. Système de plongée selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que tuyau préformé en spirale est enfermé dans une gaine cylindrique. 11. Diving system according to claim 8, characterized in that the preformed spiral pipe is enclosed in a cylindrical sheath.
12. Système de plongée selon la revendication 11, caractérisé en ce que la gaine est élastique de manière à permettre l'extension du tuyau jusqu'à une longueur utile maximale et de manière à rappeler élastiquement le tuyau vers sa configuration compacte.12. Diving system according to claim 11, characterized in that the sheath is elastic so as to allow the extension of the pipe to a maximum useful length and so as to resiliently return the pipe to its compact configuration.
13. Système de plongée selon l'une des revendications 4 à 6, caractérisé en ce que le tuyau est préformé en accordéon avec des sections rigides (36) qui sont raccordées bout à bout par des articulations (38).13. Diving system according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the pipe is preformed in accordion with rigid sections (36) which are connected end to end by joints (38).
14. Système de plongée selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que le système d'ajustement comporte un enrouleur (24) sur lequel est stocké un tronçon excédentaire du tuyau (18), et en ce que l'enrouleur (24) comporte un organe de rappel automatique du tronçon excédentaire du tuyau (18).14. Diving system according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the adjustment system comprises a reel (24) on which is stored an excess section of the pipe (18), and in that the reel (24) comprises an automatic return member for the excess section of the pipe (18).
15. Système de plongée selon la revendication 14, caractérisé en ce que l'organe de rappel automatique comporte un dispositif à contrepoids (26).15. Diving system according to claim 14, characterized in that the automatic return member comprises a counterweight device (26).
16. Système de plongée selon l'une quelconque des revendications 14 ou 15, caractérisé en ce que l'enrouleur (24) comporte un dispositif de guidage pour provoquer un enroulement ordonné du tuyau.16. Diving system according to any one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that the reel (24) comprises a guide device for causing an ordered winding of the pipe.
17. Système de plongée selon l'une quelconque des revendications 14 à 16, caractérisé en ce que l'enrouleur (24) est solidaire de l'ensemble flottant (15). 17. Diving system according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the reel (24) is integral with the floating assembly (15).
PCT/FR2002/003060 2001-09-12 2002-09-10 Diving system with surface air supply WO2003024778A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP02774917A EP1425213A1 (en) 2001-09-12 2002-09-10 Diving system with surface air supply

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR01/12065 2001-09-12
FR0112065A FR2829462B1 (en) 2001-09-12 2001-09-12 DIVING SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED SUPPLY CIRCUIT

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FR (1) FR2829462B1 (en)
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GB2428994A (en) * 2005-08-08 2007-02-14 Ian David Shinn A submersible vessel with a buoyant air supply hose
US11130552B2 (en) * 2015-08-22 2021-09-28 Tiemen Tobias Van Dillen Underwater recreation system

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NL1036255C2 (en) * 2008-11-28 2010-05-31 Henk Wilhelm Hiemstra DEVICE FOR PROVIDING OXYGEN IN AN OXYGEN-FREE ENVIRONMENT, AND A VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR THIS.
ITMI20132147A1 (en) * 2013-12-20 2015-06-21 Romeo Quartiero EQUIPMENT FOR PRACTICING A WATER-BASED ACTIVITY
ITMI20132148A1 (en) * 2013-12-20 2015-06-21 Romeo Quartiero EQUIPMENT FOR PRACTICING A WATER-BASED ACTIVITY

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US11130552B2 (en) * 2015-08-22 2021-09-28 Tiemen Tobias Van Dillen Underwater recreation system

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FR2829462A1 (en) 2003-03-14
FR2829462B1 (en) 2004-04-02
EP1425213A1 (en) 2004-06-09

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