WO2017006240A1

WO2017006240A1 - Underwater propulsion unit for diver

Info

Publication number: WO2017006240A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/054011
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jérôme BERENGUER; Elodie BERENGUER
Original assignee: Abyssnaut
Priority date: 2015-07-09
Filing date: 2016-07-05
Publication date: 2017-01-12
Also published as: FR3038521A1; FR3038521B1

Abstract

The invention relates to an underwater propulsion unit (20) for a diver (30), comprising a substantially long body (21) containing at least one motor module (1) and one battery module (2) driving at least one tractor propeller (10) arranged downstream of the body (21), the propulsion unit comprising two counter-rotating propellers and a coupling assembly (12, 14, 15, 16) arranged upstream, on the opposite end of the long body to the propellers.

Description

Diving submarine thruster TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a diving submarine propellant, comprising a substantially elongate body in which is arranged at least one motor unit driving at least one propeller.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

[0002] Underwater thrusters, often referred to as wet submarine terms, submarine scooters or loco-divers, are underwater vehicles having mostly a torpedo shape and generally having a propulsion propeller.

The submarine propellant is a self-propelled craft that increases the range of action of the autonomous diver and ensures a displacement under water up to 15km / h without kicking effort. It also allows the diver to save his breathing gas and energy, and thus increase his autonomy. The submarine propeller also makes it possible to limit the difficulties of evolution due to the strength of the underwater currents.

[0004] One of the differences with a submarine in the strict sense is that the pilot is not dry but in the underwater environment and must be equipped with a diving suit. It can also be noted that submarine thrusters can allow divers to carry material. These machines can be used by professional divers but also for leisure.

[0005] Several configurations of submarine thrusters exist. The most common existing configuration is a propeller and two control handles. Indeed, most existing underwater scooters are set in motion by a propeller propeller. It is at the back of the hull. Guiding handles on the hull, located forward with respect to the propeller, allow the diver to ride and direct the propeller. In this case, the pilot-diver must use both hands to control and remain gripped on the machine. Moreover, the propeller propellers have a close proximity to the body of the diver, but also with the elements of his diving suit such as gas pipes, straps, etc. In this configuration, several aspects are penalized.

Hydrodynamics is penalized by the fact that the plunger is superimposed on the propellant: there is thus more surface opposing the flow of water. The man-machine pair does not have an optimum hydrodynamic profile. Moreover, its size in terms of thickness can make difficult, even impossible, the incursion in natural or artificial cavities. Ergonomics is penalized by the fact that the diver must use both hands to control the machine. Thus, he can not interfere with other equipment or his suit during the movement with the thruster.

The maneuverability must be considered on the axes for the man-machine torque: pitch / roll / yaw. The changes of trajectory must be able to be realized by the diver with the least possible muscular and articular constraints. It must be possible to realize them precisely in order to be able to control the barotraumatic risks, in particular on the pitch axis. Thus, in the case of this configuration, if the pilot decides to give a pitch attitude to the man-machine couple, the pilot-diver may not be able to balance his ears while remaining on the move. This is detrimental to his safety. Moreover, he can hardly intervene on the buoyancy of his diving suit because for that, he would need to release one of his two hands.

The safety of the diver is penalized by the elements mentioned above. Thus, in this configuration, the three aspects mentioned are interdependent and have a direct influence on the safety of the diver and his ease in using this machine.

Other configurations of wet submarines exist: a variant of the configuration seen above consists of two steering handles fixed on the propeller fairing and diametrically opposed to the center of the axis of the propeller, located at the rear of the cylindrical shell of the propeller propeller. In this variant, the man-machine torque hydrodynamism is improved, because the plunger driver can be positioned elongated in the extension of the axis of the propeller of the machine. There is no overlap of the pilot on the hull of the craft. However, the diver must use both hands to control and some of the aforementioned disadvantages remain.

Finally, another existing configuration has one or two propellers and a single control handle. This configuration is often encountered in technical diving. The control handle is located overlying the propeller fairing and attached thereto. In this case, the diver must add a tow rope that he fixes to an anchor point diametrically opposite to this handle on the thruster and then on himself, in order to balance the forces and to avoid them. compensate muscularly with the arm that holds the handle. The tilting torque generated by the position of this handle would be difficult to counter without this anchor point diametrically opposite.

In this configuration, the hydrodynamism is strongly penalized. The plunger has a recumbent but upward position with a high incidence due to the position of his control handle and the obligation to hold onto a tow rope. We can also speak of superposition of the diver with respect to his propeller. This configuration frees one of two hands, which is an advantage. However, the torque must be compensated with the hand holding the control handle in the case where a single propeller is used.

Handling is penalized by a disadvantageous hydrodynamics. In addition, the size of the man / machine torque is penalized in thickness by the nose-up incidence of the body of the plunger and its superposition relative to the thruster, this limiting the incursions into narrow cavities.

Existing thrusters may for some, especially on machines with a large radius of action, be relatively bulky (over a meter in length) and also relatively heavy (25 to 40 kg dry). There is no porterage system. It is difficult, sometimes impossible, to transport the different elements separately (motor part and battery part). If these elements are separated, it is impossible to assemble them in the water to constitute an operational machine, if they were conveyed separately to facilitate transport or congestion. Their buoyancy in the water can not be used to facilitate the assembly operations of these elements. Their ergonomics are unattractive during transport and during launching especially on natural sites difficult to access.

All these machines have non-evolutive shell structures. They have often cylindrical shells and it is not possible to modify the volume. If we want to increase the buoyancy of these propellers for transporting material denser than water, we must install compensation floats on the hull and this to the detriment of the hydrodynamics and overall size. Similarly, if we want to ship more batteries for example, the shell structure can not evolve.

[0017] Other examples of submarine thrusters are known. For example, patent application WO2013169607 proposes an individual underwater vehicle comprising two motors, fixed to a central body and powered by a battery. The propellers are preferably counter-rotating to provide stability without requiring the use of stabilizing fins. The operator stands on the machine and controls it thanks to the two handles located on the rear end of the central body. The thrust produced by the engines is approximately at the center of the submarine vehicle's mass so that it is more stabilized during operation.

Also, document US4996938 discloses an underwater propulsion device for a plunger. The machine comprises a longitudinal shaped shell to achieve the desired buoyancy for the device. Means allow the plunger to position the entire shell in the desired angular orientation relative to its own position. Thrust means are connected to the hull of the propulsion unit in the water. The thrust means may be positioned at the desired angular orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the entire hull. The hull assembly is oriented angularly regardless of the direction of movement of the device. Means are provided for connecting the propulsion means to the entire hull.

US7699015 describes a submarine vehicle made in two parts. This vehicle is not suitable for moving a diver.

US6647912 discloses an underwater vehicle adapted to tow a plunger, the vehicle being provided with a motor and a front propeller.

Document FR2575435 describes an underwater vehicle intended to ensure the displacement of a plunger or a package.

The arrangement of these last two devices provides ergonomics and maneuverability perfectible.

To overcome the various disadvantages previously mentioned, the invention provides various technical means.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

First, a first object of the invention is to provide a means of locomotion for autonomous plunger to ensure a high level of safety for both the user plunger and its equipment.

Another object of the invention is to provide a submarine self-propelled machine having improved hydrodynamic characteristics.

Another object of the invention is to provide an easily maneuverable device allowing the diver to follow a path with little muscle and joint constraints.

Another object of the invention provides a device that can be manipulated with one hand, so that the diver can perform various maneuvers related to safety and / or achieve rebalancing of the ears. To do this, the invention provides a diving submarine propellant comprising a substantially elongate body in which is arranged at least one engine module and a battery module driving at least one traction propeller, disposed downstream of the body, the thruster comprising two counter-rotating propellers and a coupling assembly disposed upstream, opposite the propellers with respect to the elongate body.

According to such an architecture, advantageously comprising two propellers, the propellers in the tractive position avoid proximity to the body and the equipment of the plunger and their contra-rotation limits the efforts. Steering with one hand while maintaining a hydrodynamic position allows using the other hand to intervene on his equipment or to balance his ears for example, while driving the underwater tractor.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the two propellers are arranged parallel to the front of the thruster.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the thruster comprises a hollow axial spar, adapted to allow a flow of water downstream upstream. In a variant, the thruster comprises two substantially coaxial spars, spaced from one another by a distance substantially corresponding to the diameter of the propellers.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the submarine booster comprises a connection and disconnection system for separating or connecting a battery module to a motor module. Advantageously, the motor module and the battery module are sealed even when they are disconnected.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the thruster further comprises a steering handle for directing the thruster, said handle being connected to the elongate body upstream, the opposite of the propeller. With these characteristics, the pilot plunger does not ride the underwater tractor: the hydrodynamics of the man / machine torque is improved because the plunger is in a horizontal position in the extension of the axis of the propellers. The traction force is transmitted from the tractor to the man by the harness connection: thus the plunger pilot can control the trajectory on the three axes with the control handle with precision, little muscular effort and one hand , benefiting from the hydrodynamic effects mentioned above.

Advantageously, the hitch assembly comprises a fastener for a pull harness of the plunger.

Also advantageously, the hitch assembly comprises a plurality of rods arranged axially between the fastener and the substantially elongate body, with anchoring on said body at an intermediate position of said body. The hydrodynamic improvements mentioned above, and in particular the traction harness, also improve ergonomics, and facilitate steering.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

All the details of embodiment are given in the description which follows, supplemented by FIGS. 1 to 5, presented solely for purposes of non-limiting examples, and in which:

- Figure 1 is a top view of an example of an underwater propellant according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the rear portion of the underwater thruster of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view from the rear of the underwater thruster of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view from the front of the submarine thruster of FIG.

- Figure 5 illustrates the thruster of Figure 1 in use with a plunger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the autonomous plunger traction system composed of a substantially elongated body 21. The body 21 comprises two modules, a motor module 1 and a battery module 2 and controls. As illustrated in Figure 1, the two modules 1 and 2 each consist of two independent cylindrical shells. The systems are preferably redundant. The engine module 1 has two engine compartments and two motors driving two traction propellers 10 at the front end of the machine. The two modules are connected in front of one another: the motor module 1 is placed in front of the battery module and controls 2.

In the illustrated example, the modules are disconnectable and sealed independently: they can be connected in the water to make the whole operational.

The control handle 1 1 is located at the rear end of the machine; the pilot does not ride the machine, it is placed at the rear thereof in a horizontal position in the extension of the axis of the propeller 10 and a special harness allows the craft to tow. Thus the arm and the right or left hand of the plunger 30 are solicited solely to direct and dose the speed. There is no pulling effort on his arm.

As shown in Figure 4, the underwater tractor is equipped with two propellers 10 rotating counter-rotating and at equivalent speed to cancel the rotation torque and to prevent the driver to compensate for the force of the wrist ; these propellers 10 are traction propellers and are located at the front of the machine in parallel. Alternatively, a single helix may be used.

These propellers 10 have fairings 9 cylindrical, close to their diameter, to promote the thrust. This fairing is when fixed to the hull of the engine module 1 with two hollow side members 8 superimposed relative to each other. When the scooter is moving, the water rushes into the hollow profile of its longitudinal members 8 and stabilizes the trajectory on the pitch axis, but also on the yaw axis. Thus you can change the attitude of the scooter in displacement by producing little physical effort: it is necessary to create a moment of force between these longitudinal members 8 and the control handle 1 1 located at the rear of the machine. By exerting moderate pressure at the top or bottom of the handle, the tractor picks up or stalls, while maintaining good stability on the axis of pitch and yaw. This device thus makes it possible to ensure the mechanical connection between the nozzle fairing unit and the engine module without disturbing the flow of water in the nozzles, since it is located outside of them. It also provides a hydrodynamic function promoting stability and maneuverability.

As shown in Figure 5, the machine can be driven with one hand with little physical effort and precision. Thanks to the planned architecture, it is possible to remove the fin for the roll axis. To act along this axis, the plunger 30 triggers the rotation of the control handle 1 1. Because the pitch axis is stabilized, guided by a flow of water in the longitudinal hollow profile of the fairing rails and placed centrally between the two cylindrical shells of the engine module 1, these stabilizing surfaces of the axis of pitch / yaw have little hydrodynamic resistance on the roll axis.

The traction harness has the particularity of being constituted by two rods 12 substantially rigid, for example plastic, superimposed relative to each other and sliding on the horizontal axis. They are positioned between the two cylindrical shells of the battery / control module 2 and spaced on the vertical axis by a value equal to the diameter of the shells.

These rods 12 are fixed at their end, plunger side 30, to a plate 15 for their connection to the vertical axis, the assembly forming a U inclined substantially 90 °. The other end of these rods is on the battery module side 2. They slide in guides allowing their outward deployment towards the plunger 30. Stops 17 limit this deployment and ensure the transmission of the traction torque. In the center of the plate mentioned above, an anchor point for carabiners used to hook the rope or the traction cable that the diver 30 hooks on his equipment. A quick release system 14 of the harness is arranged on this plate to allow the diver 30 to release itself very quickly from the tractor with one hand. An indexing button 16, visible in FIG. 2, when it is pulled, releases the ring from the carabiner and releases the plunger 30. Moreover, during handling of transport and dry storage, this harness can be retracted. bottom hull side to limit clutter. The main advantage of this harness is that it deports backward the traction inking point representing the longitudinal axis of the tractor, in the center of the assembly of the parallel cylindrical hulls, as seen in FIG. figure 1 . Thus, the traction torque is transmitted by limiting as much as possible the changes of incidence on the pitch axis and therefore the corrections and compensations of the pilot with the control handle.

The rigid part of this harness with the offset of the inking point also prevents the traction tips do not interfere with the hand and the arm of the driver handling the control handle during traction and changes of path.

The control handle 1 1, visible in Figure 1, has a bar-like shape, disposed on the transverse axis at the rear end of the battery module 2. It represents a segment passing through the center of the cylindrical shells, perpendicular to the battery module. In the center of this bar is the control handle 1 1 with which the plunger 30 drives the tractor: it simultaneously measures the power of the propeller motors by rotation of this handle on the transverse axis.

The system of connection and disconnection modules provides an ergonomic advantage because it facilitates storage, transportation, launching of the underwater tractor by a single person even on difficult launching sites access, and this for a subaquatic tractor of high power (generating 450N of traction), with more than ten miles of radius of action and a complete redundancy of the systems. The connection / disconnection system allows to separate the motor module 1 of the battery module 2 through a fitting of corresponding parts (the couplers M and B) male and female and a locking screw in a radial groove or latches. Each module (motor or battery) is completely sealed to the maximum depth, even separately.

Alternatively, an amphibious connection allows to connect or disconnect the engine compartments battery compartments even under water. This socket allows the circulation of strong currents for the power of the engines. When the male and female plugs are disconnected, they are still sealed, so the water can not enter the motor modules or batteries. These outlets have a pneumatic circuit, powered by a small bottle of compressed air, and a control valve for purging the connection chamber where the contacts are when disconnection or connection takes place under water.

Long enough cables make it easy to perform this manipulation in water. The engine module 1 and the battery module 2 can be deposited in the water to take advantage of their neutral buoyancy to connect them with very little effort despite a mass that can reach or even exceed 20kg each dry. This possibility of connection / disconnection under water can also allow in case of failure on one of the engines to use the energy of the two battery compartments on the same engine. In fact, the sockets are permutable from one compartment to another thanks to a communication hole on the couplers

For ease of transport and launching, the engine modules 1 and 2 batteries are equipped in addition to handles, straps type backpack, to be able to wear the various modules in the dorsal position, in ventral position , and thanks to the carrying handles. Improvements in the hydrodynamics and ergonomics characteristics mentioned above are often interdependent and have a positive influence on safety. The specific traction harness allows a quick release of the plunger 30 and with one hand.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a redundancy of the systems can allow in case of failure on one of the two engines, on a power electronic board or on a battery, to continue to evolve and reach the exit point.

The sealing of this machine has four independent sealed volumes: two engine compartments and two battery compartments. It is possible to connect to these volumes a pneumatic purge circuit. In the case of a waterway in one of these volumes, the injection of air makes it possible to stop the leak. Regulating valves ensure the evacuation of air during depth variations.

The hull and the propeller fairings are advantageously made in a high resilience technical plastic.

The underwater tractor has the particularity of having a hull structure by stacking section. These cylindrical sections are interconnected by joint section connectors. Each static seal by O-ring is always double. The volume of a hull section represents about 17% of the total volume of a motor-battery compartment. Thus the possibilities of increasing or reducing the volume of the hulls are easily conceivable. This can create buoyancy for shipping new batteries, for example, or outdoor equipment to carry.

Still according to an advantageous variant, the shell elements are made of a less dense technical plastic than water which has a high resilience. Reference numbers used in the figures

Engine module

Battery module

Coupler (M)

Coupler (B)

Locking wheel

Hull-motor linkage frame

Shell-battery connection frame

Hollow beam

Ducting fairing block

Propeller

Steering handle

Rigid harness rod

Handle frames

Quick stall system

Harness binding plate

Indexing button

Harness rod stop

Underwater thruster

Substantially elongated body

Diver

Claims

1. A submarine thruster (20) for a plunger (30) comprising a substantially elongate body (21) in which at least one engine module (1) and a battery module (2) are arranged, driving at least one traction propeller (10) arranged downstream of the body (21), characterized in that the thruster comprises two counter-rotating propellers (10) and a coupling assembly (12, 14, 15, 16) arranged upstream, opposite the propellers with respect to the body elongate.

The submarine booster according to claim 1, wherein the two propellers (10) are arranged parallel to the front of the propellant (20).

3. underwater propeller according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one axial spar (8) hollow, adapted to allow a stream of water downstream upstream.

4. Submarine thruster according to claim 3, comprising two substantially coaxial spars (8), spaced apart from each other by a distance substantially corresponding to the diameter of the propellers.

5. Submarine thruster according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a connection and disconnection system for separating or connecting a battery module to a motor module.

6. A submarine booster according to claim 5, wherein the engine module and the battery module are sealed, even when disconnected.

7. Submarine thruster according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a handle (1 1) for driving the thruster, said handle being connected to the elongated body upstream, the opposite of the propeller.

The underwater thruster of one of the preceding claims, wherein the hitch assembly includes a clip (14) for a plunger pull harness (30).

9. Underwater propellant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling assembly comprises a plurality of rods (12) arranged axially between the fastener and the substantially elongated body, with anchoring on said body at a position intermediate of said body.