Patent Application
20250091700
This application claims priority to French Patent Application no. FR2309881, filed on Sep. 19, 2023, and French Patent Application no. FR2309882, filed on Sep. 19, 2023, which are hereby incorporated by reference 4 in their entirety.
The technical context of the present invention is that of underwater nautical vehicles, and more particularly underwater scooters for facilitating movement of a user in total or partial immersion. More particularly, the invention relates to such an underwater exploration vehicle and to a method of assembling such an underwater exploration vehicle.
In the current state of the art, underwater exploration vehicles are known to comprise a hull forming a surface against which a user can lie partially at his upper body level by holding on to control handles of said underwater exploration vehicle. Inside the hull, known underwater exploration vehicles feature at least one electric battery connected to an electric motor whose output shaft rotates a propeller used for propulsion. In addition, the hull of known underwater exploration vehicles delimits an immersion chamber connected to the outside by inlets and outlets to enable it to be filled with water. The immersion chamber thus acts as ballast for known underwater exploration vehicles, facilitating their immersion and balancing in the water during use.
In particular, EP 2 945 854 B1 describes such an underwater exploration vehicle, comprising a hull with a centrally positioned flow channel, into which extends a device for propelling the underwater exploration vehicle-a motor driving a propeller in rotation. The hull delimits the immersion chamber in communication with the environment outside the underwater exploration vehicle via inlet and outlet openings.
A known drawback of known underwater exploration vehicles lies in the complexity and unreliability of the assembly processes, making not only industrialization processes longer and more costly, but also maintenance operations more complex. Indeed, it is known to generally mount the various components of such an underwater exploration vehicle on one of the two hulls—lower or upper—delimiting the interior space of said underwater exploration vehicle. Such an assembly solution implies dimensioning the hulls to support the components, and providing sufficient thickness for the insertion of fastening screws, for example.
This solution is not optimal, and is undesirable because it entails numerous technical constraints for the components to be integrated into the hull.
The object of the present invention is to propose a new assembly process in order to address at least in large part the preceding problems and to lead in addition to other advantages.
Another aim of the invention is to simplify the assembly process of an underwater exploration vehicle.
According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a method of assembling an underwater exploration vehicle, the assembly method comprising the following steps:
In the context of the present invention, the hull of the underwater exploration vehicle comprises one or more hull elements, each hull element forming a part of the hull. The hull elements are securely fastened to the upper support of the underwater exploration vehicle.
In the context of the present invention, the lower support and the upper support of the underwater exploration vehicle form an internal structure for the assembly of the underwater exploration vehicle. The lower support and the upper support are both housed in an internal space delimited by the hull of said underwater exploration vehicle. The lower support and the upper support form a rigid architecture which provides a structural interface for all components intended to be mounted in the internal space delimited by the hull, but also to reinforce the rigidity of the hull. Thus, in the context of the present invention, the assembly process results in the hull—and any hull elements that make it up-all being just membranes a few millimeters thick, forming a simple body over the lower and upper supports.
Particularly cleverly, the underwater exploration vehicle is assembled “upside down”, with the hull elements forming the upper face of the hull first mounted on the upper support before the components of the underwater exploration vehicle are assembled on the lower support previously mounted on the upper support.
In this way, the assembly process enables linear, reproducible and easier assembly of the underwater exploration vehicle. Such a process makes it possible to offer an underwater exploration vehicle builder simpler, more robust and more reliable assembly interfaces than those found in known underwater exploration vehicles.
The assembly process according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the following improvements, the technical features forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:
According to a second aspect of the invention, an underwater exploration vehicle is proposed, assembled according to the assembly process according to the first aspect of the invention or according to any of its improvements.
In particular, the underwater exploration vehicle according to the invention comprises:
Generally speaking, any element introduced into the interior volume delimited by the hull, and assembled on the lower support or the upper support, for example, forms a component within the meaning of the present invention.
Advantageously, the hull comprises a plurality of hull elements which together delimit the interior volume of the underwater exploration vehicle.
In the context of the present invention, a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis and a vertical axis are defined in relation to the underwater exploration vehicle according to the first aspect of the invention. More particularly, the transverse axis is understood as a direction taken between a lateral side of the underwater exploration vehicle and an opposite lateral side of said underwater exploration vehicle. In other words, the transverse axis is understood as a direction extending from a first lateral face of the hull to a second lateral face of the hull. The adjectives lateral, interior and exterior refer to such a transverse axis. Furthermore, the longitudinal axis extends as taken along a direction that extends from front to back or back to front of the underwater exploration vehicle. The longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the transverse axis. The longitudinal axis corresponds to a propulsion axis of the underwater exploration vehicle when in operation and under the effect of the at least one propulsion assembly. The adjectives frontal, front and rear refer to this longitudinal axis. Finally, the vertical axis is understood to be taken along an axis which extends from a lower face to an upper face of the hull of the underwater exploration vehicle, the vertical axis being simultaneously perpendicular to the transverse axis and to the longitudinal axis. The adjectives above and below, or lower and upper refer to this vertical axis.
In the context of the present invention, the underwater exploration vehicle is of the type of a watercraft that can move on or under water. The underwater exploration vehicle can be piloted by a user, who then lies on the upper side of the hull, or the underwater exploration vehicle is of the type of an autonomous machine piloted entirely by the control unit. As a non-limiting example, the underwater exploration vehicle is preferably of the diving scooter type.
In the context of the present invention, the hull delimits an outer skin of the underwater exploration vehicle. The hull is formed from a material comprising plastic and/or a composite material with a carbon filler to increase its rigidity and lightness. Advantageously, the hull is formed of several parts which are assembled in relation to one another so as to form together the interior volume of the underwater exploration vehicle. Naturally, the electrical or electronic components forming the underwater exploration vehicle are housed in the inner volume, with the hull forming an outer body for said underwater exploration vehicle. Typically, the hull forms a skin a few millimeters thick.
The hull delimits a lower face of the underwater exploration vehicle, an upper face opposite the lower face relative to the vertical axis, and two lateral faces opposite each other relative to the transverse axis and connecting the upper face to the lower face. A user of the underwater exploration vehicle is intended to lie partly on the upper face of said underwater exploration vehicle in order to grasp control handles and pilot said underwater exploration vehicle. In order to enable him to control functional parameters of the underwater exploration vehicle, the latter features the control screen arranged on the upper part of the underwater exploration vehicle, at the level of the upper face of the hull. Because of the flow of air or water against the underwater exploration vehicle, depending on whether it is used on the water surface or in the water, the control screen is housed in the concavity of the upper face of the hull.
According to the invention, the concavity of the upper face forms a depression located directly behind the control screen, relative to the longitudinal axis, so as to offer the user of the underwater exploration vehicle an optimum viewing angle on said control screen. The concavity of the hull also offers a protective geometry for said user, in the manner of a windshield, for example, on a motorcycle in the automotive field.
In the context of the present invention, the orifices form openings on the hull, so as to allow—depending on the situations prior to use of the underwater exploration vehicle, such as for example when the underwater exploration vehicle is launched or exits the water—an air inlet and/or an air outlet and/or a water inlet and/or a water outlet. Preferably, but without limiting the invention, during situations of use of the underwater exploration vehicle, i.e. during propulsion of the underwater exploration vehicle and its advance underwater or out of the water, the orifices are configured so that water does not penetrate through, once the immersion chamber has been filled after the underwater exploration vehicle has been launched. Generally speaking, the orifices form exchange interfaces between the immersion chamber and the environment outside the underwater exploration vehicle. In the context of the present invention, due to the numerous situations of use of the underwater exploration vehicle that exist, all the orifices are multidirectional orifices, able to serve successively as water inlet or outlet. In other words, in the context of the present invention, the orifices are not unidirectional.
In the context of the present invention, each propulsion assembly is a turbine device for accelerating water in the associated flow channel and generating a water current in said flow channel, so as to propel the underwater exploration vehicle. The flow channel of each propulsion assembly is delimited by the casing, which extends mainly along the longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle.
In the context of the present invention, the electric battery is an energy accumulator that guarantees a certain degree of energy autonomy for the underwater exploration vehicle. The electric battery supplies electrical energy to all the electrical components of the underwater exploration vehicle. The electric battery is preferably of the type comprising at least one lithium or lithium-ion cell. Naturally, the electric battery is housed in a waterproof case.
In the context of the present invention, the control unit comprises a microcontroller and/or a printed circuit board and/or a microprocessor. In addition, the control unit may also include a memory. Of course, the control unit is housed in a waterproof case.
According to the invention, the underwater exploration vehicle comprises a lighting assembly located at a bow of said underwater exploration vehicle. Preferably, the lighting assembly comprises a light source mounted in a sealed manner in a support and a control unit located remotely from the light source and connected by wire to said light source.
In the context of the present invention, one should understand the “sealed manner” in the context of use of the underwater exploration vehicle conforming to the first aspect of the invention, i.e. waterproof and for depths of use of less than 100 m.
In the context of the present invention, the lighting assembly is configured to generate a light beam ahead of the underwater exploration vehicle. The lighting assembly is fixed integrally to the hull or to an inner hull support, via its own bracket.
According to the invention, the light source is mounted in a watertight manner in its holder to isolate the light source from water and guarantee its correct operation. In addition, the light source is not directly associated with its control unit, so that said control unit is located at a distance from the light source. This configuration is particularly advantageous as it enables the sealing problems of the light source itself and those of the control unit to be dealt with separately, making the design, manufacture and maintenance of the underwater exploration vehicle simpler and more economical.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the support forms a watertight casing in which the light source is housed. This configuration facilitates integration of the lighting assembly on such an underwater exploration vehicle, but at the cost of higher development, production and maintenance costs. Also, according to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the light source is associated in a watertight manner with the support, said support itself being non-watertight. This configuration makes mechanical assembly of the lighting assembly support on the underwater exploration vehicle simpler and faster, while sealing issues are dealt with directly and solely at the level of the light source.
Advantageously, the control unit is housed in a waterproof case, separate from the light source support. The control unit is located at a distance from the light source, and connected to it by a wire connection in order to control the light source. More specifically, the control unit is located behind the light source, relative to the longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle.
In a particularly interesting version of the invention, the waterproof housing is housed in the immersion chamber of the underwater exploration vehicle. In addition, the control unit is formed by the control unit of the underwater exploration vehicle.
The lighting assembly support comprises a base configured to receive the light source and a closing blade configured to associate with the base, the light source being housed between the base and the closing blade. In the context of the present invention, the base takes the form of an arched plate configured to collaborate with the front face of the hull of the underwater exploration vehicle, so as to present continuity of shape. In particular, the closure blade takes the form of a closure cap collaborating with the baseplate, the baseplate and closure blade delimiting a housing in which the light source is housed. This advantageous configuration enables the light assembly to be pre-assembled as an independent module and, once assembled, to be attached to the underwater exploration vehicle.
The closure blade is transparent or translucent to the light generated by the light source. Advantageously, the closure blade comprises an optical diffuser that allows the light emitted by the light source to be diffused in a plurality of different directions. As a non-limiting example, the closure blade has a sandblasted surface. Advantageously, the closing blade and the base are made of a plastic material.
The base plate and the closing blade have complementary fastening means. As a non-limiting example, the fastening means of the base plate and the closing blade are of the clip or lug type, working together by snap-fitting or engaging complementary shapes. Preferably, the base plate and the closing blade are fixed to each other in a non-tight manner. In this way, the housing delimited by the base and the closing blade does not prevent water from penetrating, and only the light source housed therein is sealed. This configuration simplifies and reduces the development costs of such a lighting assembly support.
According to a first embodiment, the light source is of the surface light source type, the light source extending along a transverse axis of the underwater exploration vehicle, between the lateral faces of the hull. In particular, the light source comprises a flexible strip in which a plurality of light-emitting diodes interconnected by an electronic circuit are housed, the flexible strip being watertight. The flexible strip extends along the front face of the underwater exploration vehicle, between the two lateral faces of the hull, for example. In the context of the present invention, it is understood that the strip is flexible in that it can be deformed when installed on the support in order to follow the curvature of said support and the general conformation of the bow of the underwater exploration vehicle. To this end, the flexible headband is made of a material comprising a plastic.
In a second embodiment, the light assembly comprises an overmolding of the light source onto the baseplate, the overmolding forming a sealed capsule for said light source. As a non-limiting example, the overmolding comprises a silicone gel, the light source being completely surrounded by said silicone gel when it is associated with the baseplate. Alternatively, and according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the overmolding comprises an adhesive that is transparent to the light emitted by the light source, the light source being embedded in said adhesive. Preferably, the glue is of the silicone type which remains flexible once dried, so as to enable the light source to be shaped on its support, and more particularly on the base whatever its shape.
The bracket comprises fasteners which cooperate with complementary fasteners on an upper support of the underwater exploration vehicle. The fasteners and complementary fasteners are preferably of the clip type, so that the bracket is snap-fitted to the hull or upper support. Optionally, in a complementary or alternative manner, the fasteners comprise fastening screws cooperating with threads forming the complementary fasteners. At a front part of the support, the support comprises a support tongue for a front face of the hull of the underwater exploration vehicle. This advantageous configuration favours the support of the front face of the hull against the support, and optimizes the fit of the hull to the lighting assembly. In particular, the base and/or the closing blade comprise such a support tongue for a front face of the hull of the underwater exploration vehicle.
The control unit, electric battery and electric motor of each at least one propulsion assembly are housed in the immersion chamber. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to better regulate the temperature inside the underwater exploration vehicle, as well as that of its electrical and electronic components. In particular, the use of a lithium-type electric battery requires the absence of flow in the immersion chamber during operation of the underwater exploration vehicle, i.e. during its movement in or on the water. Indeed, it has been shown that a lithium-type electric battery needs to be heated to several tens of degrees in order to operate optimally. Therefore, the production of a flow that would permanently cool the electric battery is neither desired nor implemented here. On the contrary, as already mentioned, the absence of flow in the immersion chamber ensures an optimum temperature range during operation of the underwater exploration vehicle.
In a particularly advantageous configuration, the underwater exploration vehicle comprises a single electric battery and two propulsion assemblies, the electric motor of each propulsion assembly being electrically coupled to each electric battery. Relative to a transverse axis of the underwater exploration vehicle, the electric battery is located centrally in the immersion chamber, while the propulsion assemblies are located on either side of the electric battery, in said immersion chamber. This advantageous configuration improves the balance of the underwater exploration vehicle by reducing its sensitivity to roll. Indeed, as the electric battery is a particularly massive component, placing it at the level of the central longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle and placing the—less massive—propulsion assemblies on the lateral sides of said underwater exploration vehicle makes it more stable and easier to control.
Relative to a longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle, the electric battery is located on the side of a front portion of the underwater exploration vehicle, and the propulsion assemblies are located on the side of a rear portion of said underwater exploration vehicle. This configuration is particularly interesting for balancing the underwater exploration vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis, to easily allow said underwater exploration vehicle to be pitched upwards in order to raise it or keep it flat for a given displacement, on the surface or underwater, and finally to make said underwater exploration vehicle dive. This configuration enables the weight of the electric battery—located at the front—to be offset by that of the control unit-located in the middle position—and the propulsion assemblies located at the rear.
The control unit is located centrally in the immersion chamber, relative to the transverse axis, and behind the electric battery, relative to the longitudinal axis.
According to a particularly original conception of the invention, relative to the longitudinal axis, at the level of the propulsion assemblies, the immersion chamber is exclusively located between the two propulsion assemblies. In other words, relative to the transverse axis, the immersion chamber is delimited by the housing delimiting the flow channel of each propulsion assembly. In the context of the invention, the volumes between the flow channels and the hull are non-existent: either because the hull is pressed against the corresponding flow channels, or because a foam is placed between the flow channel and the facing hull, so that all these volumes are occupied by the foam. The foam is preferably of the impermeable type. Even more preferably, the foam is painted to reinforce this impermeability. Preferably still, the foam is bonded to the hull and to the housing delimiting the corresponding flow channel by means of an adhesive joint or seal which separates and isolates each volume occupied by the foam from the immersion chamber.
According to a third aspect of the invention, a method is proposed for controlling the lighting assembly of the underwater exploration vehicle according to the second aspect of the invention or according to any of its improvements, in which at least one operating parameter of said lighting assembly is controlled from at least one functional parameter of the underwater exploration vehicle.
In the context of the present invention, the at least one operating parameter of the lighting assembly is selected from:
In the context of the present invention, the at least one functional parameter of the underwater exploration vehicle is selected from:
Various embodiments of the invention are envisaged, incorporating in all their possible combinations the various optional features set out herein.
Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, on the one hand, and from a number of illustrative and non-limiting embodiments with reference to the attached schematic drawings, on the other hand, on which:
Of course, the features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be associated with one another in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, it will be possible to imagine variants of the invention comprising only a selection of features described hereinafter in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.
In particular, all the variants and embodiments described can be combined with one another, provided there are no technical obstacles to such combination.
In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference.
In the FIGURES described below, a longitudinal axis X, a lateral axis and a vertical axis Z are defined in relation to the underwater exploration vehicle 1 according to the first aspect of the invention.
More particularly, the transverse axis Y is understood as a direction taken between one lateral side of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 and an opposite lateral side of said underwater exploration vehicle 1. In other words, the transverse axis Y is understood as a direction extending from a first lateral face 102 of the hull 10 towards a second lateral face 102 of the hull 10. The adjectives lateral, interior and exterior refer to such a transverse axis Y.
Furthermore, the longitudinal axis X extends as taken along a direction that extends from front to back or back to front of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. The longitudinal axis X is perpendicular to the transverse axis Y. The longitudinal axis X corresponds to an axis of propulsion of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 when in operation and under the effect of the at least one propulsion assembly 7. The adjectives frontal, front and rear refer to this longitudinal axis X.
Finally, the vertical axis Z is understood to be taken along an axis which extends from a lower face 108 to an upper face 101 of the hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, the vertical axis Z being simultaneously perpendicular to the transverse axis Y and to the longitudinal axis X. The adjectives above and below, or lower and upper, refer to this vertical Z axis.
With reference to
The underwater exploration vehicle 1 resulting from the assembly process 30 will be described later with reference to
As can be seen from
The upper support 137 is curved to accommodate the lower support 135. Relative to the longitudinal axis X, the upper support 137 extends only at the level of the bow area 11 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. On the side facing an environment outside the underwater exploration vehicle 1, the upper support 137 is configured to be clad by hull elements 132 which cap and dress said upper support 137, in the manner of a body skin.
In order to facilitate the assembly of the lower support 135 on the upper support 137, the upper support 137 comprises indexing members 1371 which define the relative assembly position between the lower support 135 and the upper support 137, relative to the longitudinal axis X and/or the transverse axis Y and/or the vertical axis Z. Complementarily, the upper support 137 also features bearing surfaces 163 that cooperate with an opposite face of the lower support 135 to enable it to be supported on and fixed to the upper support 137.
Complementarily, the upper support 137 also comprises, at the level of lateral faces 102 of the hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, i.e. on either side of the upper support 137 relative to the transverse axis Y, handle supports which allow control handles 13 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 to be stiffened, as seen in
The upper support 137 is made of a material comprising plastic and is preferably obtained by molding.
With reference to
In a particularly advantageous and original way compared with known underwater exploration vehicles, the hull elements 132 forming the upper face 101 of the hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 according to the invention comprise shoulder edges 1322 configured to enable the hull elements 132 to be fitted together. In particular, the shoulder edges 1322 allow two adjacent hull elements 132 to abut, preferably along the longitudinal axis X, in order to achieve precise assembly of the various hull elements 132. The shoulder edges 1322 form sidewalks and/or flanges configured to overlap each other to provide a continuous surface of hull 10.
In order to improve the relative attachment of the hull elements 132 to each other and avoid the creation of lateral play between them or at their respective shoulder edges 1322, the hull elements 132 comprise at least one attachment flange 1323 for connecting two adjacent hull elements 132 along their respective shoulder edges 1322. Each fastening flange 1323 extends transversely and straddles between two adjacent hull elements 132, at their respective shoulder edges 1322. Consequently, fixing step 31 comprises a step of anchoring the two adjacent hull elements 132 by means of these fixing flanges 1323.
As shown in
As shown in
This connection step 32 consists in extending the internal framework of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 hitherto formed by the upper support 137 with the aid of the lower support 135. This extension of the upper support 137 behind the latter relative to the longitudinal axis X is accompanied by the lower support 135 being superimposed on the upper support 137 in the front area of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, close to the bow 11.
As previously mentioned, the step 32 of connecting the lower support 135 to the upper support 137 comprises a step of indexing said lower support 135 on said upper support 137, said lower support 135 and/or said upper support 137 comprising indexing members 1371 cooperating with complementary indexing members of said upper support 137 and/or said lower support 135 respectively.
The lower support 135 is fastened to the upper support 137 by means of bearing surfaces 163 on the upper support 137, which cooperate with the lower support 135. The lower support 135 is thus screwed to the upper support 137 at the level of the bearing surfaces 163 of the upper support 137. The bearing surfaces 163 project from the upper support 137 towards the lower support 135. The bearing surfaces 163 are integral with the upper support 137. The bearing surfaces 163 are distributed over the surface of the upper support 137 to distribute loads evenly between the lower support 135 and the upper support 137, thus ensuring the rigidity of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.
The lower support 135 forms a cradle for receiving numerous components of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 according to the invention. To this end, and as can be seen in
The retaining flange 1352 associated with the electric battery 5 extends along the longitudinal axis X; and the retaining flange 1352 associated with the control unit 6 extends along the transverse axis Y. Each retaining flange 1352 is fixedly secured to the lower support 135 in order to clamp the electric battery 5 and the control unit 6 respectively against the lower support 135. The retaining flange 1352 is preferably made of a plastic or metal material, with a high modulus of elasticity to ensure rigidity.
The protective foams 9 can be used to fill gaps in the interior volume delimited by the hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, in order to limit the volume of the immersion chamber 4 of said underwater exploration vehicle 1. Indeed, for reasons of buoyancy, balance and dynamic behavior of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 in water, it is necessary to limit the immersion chamber 4 to a predetermined volume, and to distribute it in a balanced manner between a front zone and a rear zone of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. To this end, as can be seen in
More specifically, in the stern area 12 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, the second components enable the immersion chamber 4 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 to be reduced to the area strictly between the propulsion assemblies 7. This advantageous configuration improves the buoyancy and balance of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.
Advantageously, the protective foams 9 are impermeable. Finally, the step of placing the protective foams 9 involves depositing a seal on a peripheral edge of said protective foams 9 and/or at an interface between said protective foams 9 and the facing hull 10 and/or at an interface between said protective foams 9 and the associated component, i.e. the casing 71 of the propulsion assemblies 7 in the embodiment shown in
Finally, with reference to
With reference to
With reference to
In the embodiment illustrated in
The hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle forms the outer skin of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. Advantageously, the hull 10 is formed of several parts which are assembled in relation to each other so as to form together the interior volume of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. The various parts of the hull 10 are connected to each other and/or to an internal reinforcement, in particular to stiffen the underwater exploration vehicle 1, the internal reinforcement being formed by a lower support 135 and an upper support 137, as previously explained with regard to the assembly method 30.
The hull 10 delimits a profile for the underwater exploration vehicle 1 that is particularly well suited to its use on and in the water. In particular, the hull 10 delimits, at the level of a front face 106 and a bow 11 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, a portion of smaller dimension, both along the transverse axis Y and along the vertical axis Z. This configuration thus ensures better penetration of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 into the water, and thus improves its performance as well as the user experience.
As can be seen on
As shown in
As can be seen on
The cap 103 can thus form a visor which both prevents the sun's rays from striking the control screen 18 directly when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is used on the surface of the water, and also forms a protective bubble when said underwater exploration vehicle 1 is used underwater, so that water flowing around the underwater exploration vehicle 1 slides back and away from the control screen 18.
The cap 103 and the control screen 18 are associated with a particular shape of the upper face 101 of the hull 10, forming a concavity 105 which protects the screen and forms a “corridor of vision” for the user of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. The concavity 105 thus protects the control screen 18 and the user from the sun's rays—and the reflections created on the control screen 18—as well as limiting water splashes onto the screen or directly behind it when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is used on the surface of the water. Complementarily, when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is used underwater, the concavity 105 reduces the flow of water behind the control screen 18 and improves its visibility by the user of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. Such a concavity 105 is delimited by side walkways 104 which extend on either side of a floor 1051 which itself extends behind the control screen 18. The sidewalks 104 extend behind the control screen 18 and the cap 103 and overhang the floor 1051.
Beyond the control screen 18, the lateral dimensions of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 decrease again in order to reduce its bulk and optimize the flow around the underwater exploration vehicle 1, with the aim of optimizing its hydrodynamic coefficient. Relative to the vertical axis Z, the rear part of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is thinner, particularly at the level of its propulsion assemblies 7. Thus, at a rear face 107 of the hull 10—forming the stern 12 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1—the internal volume delimited by the hull 10 is minimal, said hull 10 having a minimum height, relative to the vertical axis Z.
As previously mentioned, the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is manipulated by control handles 13 located on either side of the central body 100 of said underwater exploration vehicle 1, and at the level of a depression in the corresponding lateral face 102 of the hull 10, said depression forming a concave surface, relative to the transverse axis Y. These depressions improve the grip of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, and also define passages 130 on either side of the central body 100 for improved water flow around the underwater exploration vehicle 1. In this way, each control handle 13 extends opposite and at a distance from the corresponding depression, opposite the lateral face 102 of the hull 10.
The control handles 13 carry control buttons 133 for driving the underwater exploration vehicle 1, i.e. for controlling the on-board propulsion assemblies 7.
Particularly cleverly, the underwater exploration vehicle 1 according to the invention comprises two propulsion assemblies 7 located on either side of the median longitudinal axis X. In other words, the propulsion assemblies 7 are located close to the lateral faces 102 of the hull 10. Relative to the longitudinal axis X, the propulsion assemblies 7 are located behind the electric battery 5, at a rear part of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.
The propulsion assemblies 7 generate a flow of water in the respective flow channels. This flow of water is drawn into the corresponding flow channel 3 via an inlet opening 16 located on the lower face 108 of the hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, and at a rear portion of said underwater exploration vehicle 1, as visible in
To facilitate the insertion of water into the inlet openings 16, the lower face 108 of the hull 10 has a concave region, relative to the vertical axis Z, at the level of said inlet openings 16. This advantageous configuration makes it easier for the water flowing at the lower face 108 when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is moving in or underwater, to better penetrate into the corresponding flow channel 3.
However, the main reason why water seeps into the inlet opening 16 is due to the negative pressure generated in the flow channel 3 at the inlet opening 16 and to the rotation of the propeller 73 driven by the drive shaft 72 and the electric motor 70 of the corresponding propulsion assembly 7. Thus, despite the slight inclination of the inlet opening 16 with respect to the lower face 108 of the hull 10 and the flow of water along said lower face 108, which is not conducive to such insertion, it is indeed the operation of the corresponding propulsion assembly 7 that generates a vacuum and a current that draws water into the flow channel 3.
The propulsion assemblies 7 are cleverly positioned at the side edges of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 so that the outlet openings 17 of the corresponding flow channels are located close to the lateral faces 102 of the hull 10, at the level of the stern 12. This advantageous configuration prevents the flow of water generated by each propulsion assembly 7 from being propelled directly onto the user's body, which is particularly uncomfortable during prolonged use of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. In contrast, the configuration proposed here enables such a flow of water to be generated on either side of the user, which improves both performance and comfort of use.
Particularly advantageously, the electric battery 5 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is positioned forward and centrally, relative to the longitudinal axis X. This advantageous configuration optimizes the balance of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 and improves its agility, particularly in terms of rotational movements such as rolling or yawing. In fact, as the electric battery 5 is one of the heaviest electrical components, it is clever and preferable to position it along the longitudinal X axis. In addition, the more forward position of the electric battery 5 is compensated for by a more rearward position of the control unit 6 and the propulsion assemblies 7. These particularly advantageous arrangements enable the underwater exploration vehicle 1 according to the invention to be perfectly balanced relative to the longitudinal axis X and relative to the transverse axis Y.
As previously mentioned, and as can be seen in particular on
In the underwater exploration vehicle 1 according to the invention, the immersion chamber 4 forms a single volume within the interior volume, with no sub-volumes. In other words, the immersion chamber 4 is simply delimited by the hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 and by certain foams 9 placed between the hull 10 and certain electronic components. Even more particularly, in the propulsion assemblies 7 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 according to the invention, the immersion chamber 4 is located exclusively between the flow channels. In other words, at a longitudinal position between the two propulsion assemblies 7, and in particular between the propeller 73 and the outlet opening 17, the immersion chamber 4 is exclusively located between and delimited by the casings of the two propulsion assemblies 7. In other words, the immersion chamber 4 is not located between the casing 71 of the propulsion assemblies 7 and the surrounding hull 10, relative to the transverse axis Y.
Optionally, the residual space formed by the casing 71 and the directly facing part of the hull 10 is filled with foam 9 to prevent water from entering. This advantageous configuration improves the buoyancy and balance of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 when underwater.
Alternatively, the foams 9 housed between the casing 71 and the directly facing part of the hull 10 are combined with one or more seals to isolate the residual space filled by the foams 9 from the immersion chamber 4. The aim here is to prevent such residual spaces from communicating with the immersion chamber 4.
To this end, the immersion chamber 4 is in fluid communication with the environment outside the underwater exploration vehicle 1 via several orifices 2 cleverly arranged and oriented on the hull 10:
All the electronic components of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 are advantageously housed in the immersion chamber 4, so that they are all immersed in the immersion chamber 4 during operation of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. This advantageous configuration also makes it possible to thermalize the electronic components during operation of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.
However, due to the use of an electric battery 5 of the lithium type, excessive cooling is not desired. Consequently, the immersion chamber 4 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 according to the invention is not traversed by a current of water during the use of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, and in particular during its movements on or under water. To this end, the various orifices 2 present in the hull 10 and placing the immersion chamber 4 in fluid communication with the outside are not configured to allow such a flow of water into the immersion chamber 4 during the forward movement of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 because:
Consequently, while the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is moving under or over water, the water in immersion chamber 4 remains stationary and forms a static or quasi-static mass in the interior volume delimited by hull 10.
In addition, at the level of the lateral faces 102 and close to the lower face 108, the hull 10 delimits openings forming gripping handles 14 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.
On the upper face 101, at the rear of the floor 1051 of the concavity 105, relative to the longitudinal axis X, the underwater exploration vehicle 1 has a plug 15 which seals an electrical connector 8, enabling an internal software program embedded in the control unit 6, or some of the functional parameters of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, to be updated. This advantageous configuration makes updating easy and facilitates the wired connection between the underwater exploration vehicle 1 and a remote server.
As previously mentioned, the invention here organizes the various orifices 2 placing the immersion chamber 4 in fluid communication with the external environment in such a way that they prevent a flow of water into the immersion chamber 4 when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is in motion on the water surface or in the water.
Referring in particular to
The first apertures 21 do not allow the insertion of water when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is moving on the water surface or underwater, as an axis perpendicular to the opening surface of the first apertures 21 is oriented or substantially oriented along the vertical axis Z of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. In other words, the first orifices 21 are oriented or substantially oriented in the direction of the vertical axis Z, so as to extend tangentially to a flow of water as the underwater exploration vehicle 1 moves, relative to the longitudinal axis X. Thus, when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is in use, with the immersion chamber 4 filled with water, the water flowing along the lower face 108 of the hull 10 cannot enter the immersion chamber 4 due to the balance of pressures existing both in the immersion chamber 4 and at the level of the lower face 108 and the first orifices 21. In this way, water flows along the lower face 108 without entering the immersion chamber 4. This behaviour is particularly induced by the fact that the first orifices 21 extend longitudinally over a very large part of the lower face 108, between the bow zone 11 and the stern zone 12 of the underwater exploration vehicle, so as to promote an internal pressure balance between a front zone of the immersion chamber 4—located on the side of the electric battery 5—and a rear zone of the immersion chamber 4, located at the level of the propellers of the propulsion assemblies 7, relative to the longitudinal axis X.
More particularly, in the embodiment illustrated in
In order to protect the lower face 108 of the hull 10 and prevent objects from entering the immersion chamber 4 through the first orifices 21, the lower face 108 of the hull 10 is provided with ribs 212, all of which project from the lower face 108 of the hull 10 along the longitudinal axis X of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. The ribs 212 are all parallel to one another and extend between two adjacent oblong slots 211. The ribs 212 are integral with the lower face 108 of hull 10.
The first apertures 21, and in particular the oblong slots 211 and associated ribs 212, are located in the central part of the underwater exploration vehicle, relative to the transverse axis Y.
Referring in particular to
The second orifices 22 do not allow water to be inserted when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is moving on the water surface or underwater, as an axis perpendicular to the opening surface of the second orifices 22 is oriented or substantially oriented along the vertical axis Z of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. In other words, the second orifices 22 are oriented or substantially oriented in the direction of the vertical axis Z, so as to extend tangentially to a flow of water as the underwater exploration vehicle 1 moves, relative to the longitudinal axis X. In addition, the second orifices 22 are located in the concavity 105 of the upper face 101 of the hull 10, and are therefore sheltered from a flow of water when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is moving underwater. Thus, when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is in use, with the immersion chamber 4 filled with water, the water flowing along the upper face 101 of the hull 10 or at the level of the concavity 105 cannot enter the immersion chamber 4 due to the balance of pressures existing both in the immersion chamber 4 and at the level of the upper face 101 of the hull 10 and the second orifices 22. In this way, water flows along the upper face 101 and along the concavity 105 without entering the immersion chamber 4. This behavior is particularly favored by the fact that each second orifice 22 has a flap 24 that extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis X—as seen in
As shown in
In order to facilitate the immersion of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 when it is launched, by facilitating the expulsion of the air present in the immersion chamber 4 when the water rushes in through the first orifices 21, the second orifices 22 are located plumb with the first orifices 21. The second orifices 22 are also located in the central position of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, relative to the transverse axis Y.
Relative to the longitudinal axis X, the slots 25 forming the second orifices 22 extend at a region of the upper face 101 of the hull 10 located between the battery and the control unit 6, relative to the longitudinal axis X of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.
Referring in particular to
The third orifices 23 do not allow water to be inserted when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is moving on the water surface or underwater, as an axis perpendicular to the opening surface of the third orifices 23 is oriented or substantially oriented along the transverse axis Y of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. In other words, the third orifices 23 are oriented or substantially oriented in the direction of the transverse axis Y, so as to extend tangentially to a flow of water during movement of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, relative to the longitudinal axis X. In addition, the third orifices 23 are located in the depression formed on the lateral faces 102 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. Thus, when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is in use, with the immersion chamber 4 filled with water, the water flowing along the lateral faces 102 of the hull 10 cannot enter the immersion chamber 4 due to the pressure equilibrium existing both in the immersion chamber 4 and at the level of said lateral faces 102 of the hull 10 and the third orifices 23. Thus, water flows along the lateral faces 102 without entering the immersion chamber 4.
Relative to the vertical axis Z, the third orifices 23 are aligned or substantially aligned with the second orifices 22. In other words, the third orifices 23 are located close to the upper face 101 of the hull 10. Complementarily, relative to the longitudinal axis X, the third orifices 23 are located in front of the second orifices 22, and at the level of a front part of the first orifices 21. In particular, the third orifices 23 face the electric battery 5 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. This advantageous configuration facilitates the flooding of the front part of the immersion chamber 4 when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is launched.
The third orifices 23 extend along the vertical Z and/or longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. In other words, the third orifices 23 are elongated-preferably rectangular or oblong—in relation to the vertical Z and/or longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, and are all parallel and adjacent to one another.
As shown in
The deflectors 231 project from the lateral face 102 on which the third orifices 23 are formed. Each third orifice 23 is associated with a deflector 231. Each deflector 231 extends from the lateral face 102 on which the third orifices 23 are formed. Each deflector 231 overhangs the corresponding third orifice 23, relative to the transverse axis Y. In other words, each deflector 231 extends backwards and forwards from the lateral face 102 of the hull 10, so as to overhang the third orifice 23 with which it is associated, relative to the transverse axis Y.
Thus, the underwater exploration vehicle 1 conforming to the invention proposes a particularly astute architecture and geometry with a view to optimizing its performance. Indeed, the underwater exploration vehicles known in the prior art which implemented an internal flow in the immersion chamber 4, due to water inlets facing the water flow—i.e. facing the longitudinal axis X—and/or located at the level of their bow area 11 led to less manoeuvrability and greater inertia, and therefore less comfort of use, due to the existence of this internal flow and the internal friction generated by the water flowing into the cavity. In contrast, the design proposed here provides for a completely opposite design, and cleverly leads to enhanced performance and user comfort.
With reference to
In the example illustrated in the FIGURES, the control unit of the lighting assembly 19 is formed by the control unit 6 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. The control unit 6 is located behind the support 190 on which the light source 194 is mounted. In particular, the support 190 is mounted on the front face 106 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, in front of the electric battery 5 relative to the longitudinal axis X, while the control unit-formed by the control unit 6, is mounted behind the electric battery 5. Of course, the control unit 6 is connected to the light source 194 of the lighting assembly 19 by wire means not visible in the FIGURES.
The support 190 forms part of the front face 106 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. More specifically, support 190 forms an interface between the environment outside the underwater exploration vehicle 1 and the interior volume delimited by hull 10. Thus, in the context of the present invention, the front face 106 of the hull 10 cooperates with the support 190 of the lighting assembly 19. More particularly, the front face 106 of hull 10 docks along the support 190 of lighting assembly 19, relative to the vertical axis Z, so that an end edge of the front face 106 of hull 10 rests or is brought into contact against the support 190 of lighting assembly 19, so as to form a surface continuity between the front face 106 and lighting assembly 19 at the bow 11 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.
According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light source 194 is tightly associated with the support 190, but the support 190 accommodating the light source 194 does not form a tight housing 1912 for said light source 194. To this end, as can be seen more particularly in
The light source 194 is housed between the base 192 and the closing blade 191, which together form a housing 1912 for the light source 194.
As shown in
Similarly, the closing blade 191 takes the form of a closing cap cooperating with the base 192. The closing blade 191 is transparent or translucent to the light generated by the light source 194. The closing blade 191 is preferably made of a plastic material.
The base 192 and the closing blade 191 delimit a housing 1912 in which the light source 194 is housed. To this end, the base 192 and the closing blade 191 comprise complementary fastening means 1910 enabling the base 192 to be fixed to the closing blade 191, so as to form a complete module which can be assembled on the underwater exploration vehicle 1 during its assembly. In the embodiment illustrated in
Bracket 190 includes fasteners 193 enabling the lighting assembly 19—and in particular bracket 190—to be securely fastened to an upper bracket 190137 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 serving as a chassis for said underwater exploration vehicle 1. In the embodiment illustrated in
As can be seen in
The flexible band extends along the front face 106 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, between the two lateral faces 102 of the hull 10 for example, and inside the housing 1912 delimited by the base 192 and the closing blade 191. Advantageously, the headband is flexible so that it can be easily deformed—and shaped in the housing 1912 of the support 190 formed by the base 192 and the closing blade 191—during assembly of the lighting assembly 19. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to integrate the light source 194 into any shape of support 190, without any curvature constraints in particular, due to the curved shape of the bow 11 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.
For this purpose, the flexible headband is made of a material comprising a plastic.
Preferably, the flexible strip housing the light-emitting diodes and the electronic circuit is sealed. Sealing is advantageously achieved by embedding the light source 194 and the associated electronic circuit in an adhesive that is transparent to the light emitted by the light source 194, the light source 194 being embedded in said adhesive. Preferably, the glue is of the silicone type which remains flexible once dried, so as to enable the light source 194 to be shaped on its support 190, and more particularly on the base 192 whatever its shape. In this way, the light source 194 embedded in the glue forms the flexible headband as described above.
Briefly, the invention relates to an assembly method 30 for an underwater exploration vehicle 1, the assembly method 30 comprising the following steps:
Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described, and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the various features, forms, variants and embodiments of the invention may be associated with one another in various combinations, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above can be combined with one another.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR2309881 | Sep 2023 | FR | national |
| FR2309882 | Sep 2023 | FR | national |
