EP0321372B1 - Self-propelled, manned and submersible vehicle for underwater travel - Google Patents

Self-propelled, manned and submersible vehicle for underwater travel Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0321372B1
EP0321372B1 EP88430032A EP88430032A EP0321372B1 EP 0321372 B1 EP0321372 B1 EP 0321372B1 EP 88430032 A EP88430032 A EP 88430032A EP 88430032 A EP88430032 A EP 88430032A EP 0321372 B1 EP0321372 B1 EP 0321372B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
vehicle according
vehicle
ballast
sleeve
pressure
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Expired - Lifetime
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EP88430032A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0321372A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Michel Onofri
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Individual
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Individual
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, 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
    • B63C11/00—Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects
    • B63C11/34—Diving chambers with mechanical link, e.g. cable, to a base
    • B63C11/36—Diving chambers with mechanical link, e.g. cable, to a base of closed type
    • B63C11/42—Diving chambers with mechanical link, e.g. cable, to a base of closed type with independent propulsion or direction control
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63G—OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS; MINE-LAYING; MINE-SWEEPING; SUBMARINES; AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
    • B63G8/00—Underwater vessels, e.g. submarines; Equipment specially adapted therefor
    • B63G8/001—Underwater vessels adapted for special purposes, e.g. unmanned underwater vessels; Equipment specially adapted therefor, e.g. docking stations

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to self-propelled submersible vehicles intended for carrying out underwater rides.
  • the technical sector of the invention is that of the construction of autonomous submersible vehicles, intended for the observation of the seabed.
  • the submersible recreational vehicles known to date do not allow to reach significant depths and are not individual vehicles allowing to freely choose the routes.
  • the objective of the present invention is to provide submersible vehicles allowing one or a few people to walk freely underwater to depths of the order of 50 meters while having a fully peripheral vision in the horizontal plane and a viewing angle in the vertical plane close to 180 °.
  • a submersible vehicle of the known type comprising a resistant hull serving as a passenger compartment, ballasts, drop ballast, propeller thrusters driven by electric motors and accumulator batteries, is described in FR-A-2149018.
  • the resistant shell comprises a peripheral porthole constituted by a completely transparent vertical cylindrical sleeve, having a diameter sufficient to contain several people seated side by side , which sleeve is extended downwards by a hemispherical dome and upwards by a spherical cap extended by a cylindrical kiosk closed by a cover.
  • the kiosk comprises a second peripheral porthole constituted by a second vertical cylindrical sleeve which is entirely transparent and the cover comprises, in its center, a transparent porthole
  • the peripheral portholes are sleeves of a single piece of polymethyl methacrylate, the two ends of which are supported on two seals and are engaged in two flanges in the form of U-shaped profiles, which are held tight on said sleeves by tie rods.
  • a vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a tubular structure which surrounds said resistant shell and which supports all the other components of the vehicle and said resistant shell is connected to said tubular structure by elastic connections.
  • the releasable ballast is constituted by an orientable box filled with a material in the divided state, which is articulated around a transverse horizontal axis supported by the tubular structure and said vehicle comprises means for controlling the pivoting of said box around of said axis from the inside of the resistant shell.
  • the invention results in new submersible vehicles in which one or a few people can take place and which allow them to wander freely underwater to visit the seabed to depths of up to 50 meters. .
  • a submersible vehicle according to the invention makes it possible to have very good visibility with a field of vision of 360 ° in the horizontal plane and which can reach 180 ° in the vertical plane thanks to the possibilities of attitude variations offered by the swiveling ballast. .
  • the occupants then gradually fill the adjustment tank until the buoyancy is substantially zero.
  • a vehicle which comprises a resistant shell fixed, by elastic connections, to a tubular structure which carries all the other components of the vehicle and which supports vertical downward or upward loads, has the advantage that the resistant hull can be calculated separately to withstand only hydrostatic pressures, which makes it possible to design a hull comprising a transparent cylindrical porthole that can reach immersion depths ranging up to 50 meters.
  • the vehicles according to the invention are particularly suitable for equipping leisure centers or holiday clubs located by the sea or in lagoons, in order to allow customers to practice driving a small submarine, then to go for a walk underwater to visit the seabed.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to the invention.
  • Figures 2, 3 and 4 are respectively an elevational view, a half view from above, a horizontal half-section, a half view from the front and a half view from the rear of a vehicle according to l 'invention.
  • Figure 5 is an axial section of the resistant shell.
  • Figure 6 is a partial vertical section of the lower connection between the shell and the tubular structure.
  • Figure 7 is a vertical section of the upper connection between the resistant shell and the tubular structure.
  • Figure 8 is a half front view and a transverse axial half-section of the releasable ballast.
  • FIG. 9 is a longitudinal axial section along IX-IX of FIG. 8.
  • Figures 10 to 17 are schematic views showing a vehicle according to the invention during different phases of use.
  • a vehicle according to the invention comprises, in the center, a shell 1 which resists hydrostatic pressure up to a determined immersion depth, which can reach, for example, 50 meters.
  • the shell 1 is a hollow body which serves as a cabin for a few people, for example two people seated side by side.
  • the vehicle comprises a tubular structure 2 which surrounds the central shell and which is connected thereto by elastic connections which will be described below.
  • the tubular structure carries four ballasts 3 which are fixed to the upper part of the structure at a level such that they are largely out of the water when they are empty and they then serve as a float. These ballasts are in permanent communication with the sea.
  • the tubular structure also carries two propeller thrusters 4, located on the sides of the resistant hull.
  • the tubular structure 2 carries, at the bottom, a box 5 which is filled with oil and which contains batteries which supply the engines of the thrusters.
  • the box 5 carries light projectors 6.
  • the tubular structure 2 carries, in addition, a releasable ballast 7 which pivots about a transverse axis.
  • the tubular structure 2 also carries an adjustable ballast 8, formed by a cylindrical tank having domed bottoms, which is located at the rear of the resistant hull and which makes it possible to adjust the buoyancy of the vehicle during the dive.
  • an adjustable ballast 8 formed by a cylindrical tank having domed bottoms, which is located at the rear of the resistant hull and which makes it possible to adjust the buoyancy of the vehicle during the dive.
  • the tubular structure finally carries bottles 9 of compressed oxygen intended for the breathing of the occupants of the passenger compartment and bottles 10 of compressed air intended to drive the water out of the ballasts.
  • tubular structure 2 has two pads 11 which rest on the ground when the vehicle is placed on the ground or on the bottom of the sea.
  • Two rudders 12 maneuverable from inside the passenger compartment are placed at the rear of the two rear ballasts.
  • the tubular structure carries a platform 2a which surrounds a kiosk 21, which is extended towards the rear by a fairing 21a.
  • the tubular structure 2 is composed of a trellis of vertical tubes connected to each other by horizontal, longitudinal and transverse struts and reinforced by inclined bracing tubes. It is calculated to work either in compression when the vehicle is out of the water, or in vertical tension in immersion.
  • ballasts 3 have the shape of spindles symmetrical with respect to a horizontal plane and with respect to a longitudinal vertical plane.
  • ballasts can hold approximately 100 liters of water. Ballasts have a contoured shape to reduce drag.
  • each ballast by longitudinal vertical planes has a rounded shape at the front and a tapered shape at the rear.
  • each ballast by longitudinal vertical planes has a tapered shape at the front and rounded at the rear.
  • the trace 13 of the master couple is to say the line passing through the points corresponding to the greatest width. We see that this line is not contained in a plane perpendicular to the axis.
  • ballasts described above were designed to find a compromise between resistance to advancement in diving and on the surface.
  • the thrusters 4 are pivotally mounted with respect to a transverse horizontal axis, so that they can be used to propel the machine in all directions.
  • the pivot axis of the thrusters passes through the center of thrust of the hull.
  • the thrusters 4 are adjustable ⁇ 90 ° around the pivot axis.
  • FIG. 5 is an axial section of a preferred embodiment of a passenger compartment 1, in which two seated people can take place.
  • This passenger compartment is a waterproof hull capable of withstanding, with a safety margin, a determined immersion depth, for example a hydrostatic pressure corresponding to a depth of 50 meters.
  • the shell 1 has a bottom 14 made of steel or any other metal in the form of a hemispherical dome which is welded to a flange 15 situated in the diametrical plane.
  • the flange 15 is for example a U-shaped profile whose wings are turned upwards.
  • the shell 1 comprises a metallic upper part 16, in the form of a domed cap, which is welded to a second flange 17 also constituted by a U-shaped profile whose wings are turned downwards.
  • the two flanges 15 and 17 are of the same diameter and coaxial. They are linked together by tie rods 18.
  • the resistant shell further comprises a cylindrical window 19, which is a thick transparent sleeve, preferably a sleeve made of polymethyl methacrylate or any other transparent material having equivalent mechanical and optical properties.
  • the window 19 is made in one piece in order to obtain good mechanical resistance to pressure.
  • the window 19 allows the occupants of the hull to have a field of vision of 360 ° in the horizontal plane and approximately 70 ° in the vertical plane when the zz ′ axis of the vehicle is vertical.
  • the pivoting ballast makes it possible to tilt the axis of the device by ⁇ 30 ° in the longitudinal plane and to increase the field of vision to allow the occupants to look at the background or the surface vertically of the vehicle.
  • Seals 20 are interposed respectively between the lower edge and between the upper edge of the window 19 and each of the flanges 15 and 17.
  • the thickness of the window 19 is less than the width of the sections 15 and 17, so that it fits into them.
  • the cap 16 is extended upwards by a cylindrical kiosk 21, coaxial with the cylindrical window and of smaller diameter.
  • Booth 21 serves as a passage for the occupants. It is closed by a tight cover 22, in the form of a spherical cap, reinforced at its periphery by a flange. Sealing is ensured by an O-ring which is compressed by three eccentric closings.
  • the cover can be operated from the inside or from outside. It carries, in its center, a porthole 23 which allows a vertical vision.
  • the cylindrical kiosk 21 comprises a lower metal cylinder 24 and an upper metal cylinder 25, coaxial and of the same diameter on each of which is fixed a flange 24a or 25a. It comprises a transparent cylindrical porthole 26 which is also a sleeve of polymethyl methacrylate which is fitted into the flanges 24a and 25a, which are U-shaped profiles, with the interposition of a seal.
  • the two flanges 24a and 25a are connected together by external tie rods 27, shown in dotted lines.
  • the window 26 comes out of the water when the vehicle is moving on the surface.
  • a cylindrical porthole 19 having a radius of 600 mm, a height of 800 mm and a thickness of 60 mm, makes it possible to reach, with a safety margin, a depth of 50 meter immersion.
  • FIG. 6 is a partial vertical section showing, on a larger scale, the elastic connection between the resistant shell 1 and the tubular structure 2.
  • This figure shows the lower edge of the window 19 which is fitted into the lower flange 15 welded to the upper edge of the hemispherical bottom 14, with a flat seal 20 and an O-ring 20a interposed between the window 19 and the flange 15.
  • FIG. 6 also shows a tubular ring 28 which forms part of the tubular structure 2 and which coaxially surrounds the flange 15.
  • a flat metal ring 29 is fixed to the tubular ring 28 by hooks 30.
  • the metal ring 29 carries a flexible flat ring 31, in several sections.
  • the flange 15 rests on the flexible ring 31.
  • the resistant hull When the vehicle is in the water, the resistant hull has positive buoyancy and the upward vertical thrust is transmitted to the tubular structure by the upper flange as shown in Figure 7, which is a partial axial section on which we find the flange 17 and a flat reinforcing ring 17a welded to the cap 16.
  • the tubular structure comprises a tubular ring 33, connected to the rest of the structure 32 by inclined spacers 34, which carry bosses welded 35 in each of which is screwed a screw 36 which rests on a metal plate 37 associated with an elastic plate 38.
  • the upward thrust which is exerted on the resistant shell is transmitted to the tubular structure via the reinforcement 17a , plates 38 and 37 and screws 36.
  • the centering of the resistant shell in the tubular structure is ensured by an elastic band 39 which is interposed between the kiosk 24 and the ring 33.
  • the elastic connection between the resistant shell and the tubular structure has the effect that no significant stress due to the differences in buoyancy or expansion is transmitted to the shell by the tubular structure and the resistant shell can be calculated separately taking into account only the constraints due to hydrostatic pressure.
  • the absence of rigid connection between the structure and the shell avoids having to fix connection means on the shell by means of bolts or welds which could weaken the resistant shell.
  • the mechanical controls leaving the hull include an elastic connection to avoid exerting stress on the hull bushings.
  • a vehicle according to the invention comprises, in a known manner, a ballast 7 which can be released for safety reasons.
  • the drop ballast of a vehicle according to the invention has the particularity of being orientable by pivoting about a transverse axis, so that it makes it possible to vary the attitude of the vehicle and to increase the field of vision of occupants.
  • FIG. 8 represents in its left part, a half front view and in its right part, a transverse axial half-section of the lower part of a vehicle according to the invention.
  • Figure 9 is a longitudinal section along IX-IX of Figure 8, in which there is shown in solid lines, the ballast releasable in vertical position and, in dotted lines, the ballast releasable in position tilted forward.
  • the releasable ballast comprises a metal box 41 mounted to pivot about the transverse axis 40a, 40b.
  • the box 41 is filled with lead balls or any other material in the divided state constituting a releasable ballast.
  • the box 41 is located between the hemispherical dome 14 and the box 5 which contains the batteries 42.
  • the box 41 In section perpendicular to the axis y y1, the box 41 has an internal wall 41a, having the shape of a circular sector centered on the axis y y1, having an angular opening ⁇ of the order of 60 °.
  • This internal wall substantially matches the shape of the hemispherical dome 14 with play, so that the box can pivot freely around the axis y y1 following the wall of the hemispherical dome.
  • the outer wall of the box is constituted by four doors or flaps 43a, 43b, which are hinged in pairs respectively around a transverse axis 44a for the two flaps 43a and around a transverse axis 44b for the two flaps 43b.
  • the doors 43a, 43b are cylinder portions whose generatrices are parallel to the axes 44a, 44b.
  • the box 41 has, on its transverse walls, hydraulic cylinders 45a, 45b which act as brakes to keep the doors 43a, 43b closed.
  • the valves placed inside the passenger compartment are opened, which put the jacks 45a, 45b in communication with a tank.
  • the liquid contained in the jacks 45a, 45b is emptied, the doors 43a, 43b open and the shot contained in the boxes is released.
  • a vehicle according to the invention must not exceed a determined immersion depth.
  • a sensor for example a hydrostatic pressure sensor which emits a signal when a first determined immersion depth is reached and this signal controls an alarm placed inside the cockpit. If the immersion depth continues to increase, a second signal is sent, which automatically controls the opening of a solenoid valve which controls the emptying of the jacks 45a, 45b and the release of the ballast and the vehicle rises to the surface.
  • a sensor for example a hydrostatic pressure sensor which emits a signal when a first determined immersion depth is reached and this signal controls an alarm placed inside the cockpit. If the immersion depth continues to increase, a second signal is sent, which automatically controls the opening of a solenoid valve which controls the emptying of the jacks 45a, 45b and the release of the ballast and the vehicle rises to the surface.
  • the box 41 is orientable by pivoting around the axis y y1.
  • the pivoting control is carried out by means of a chain or an endless toothed belt 46, shown in dotted lines, which passes over a deflection pulley 47 and over a pulley or a toothed wheel 47a, which is mounted on a shaft. 48 which passes through the metal shell 14 and which is provided with a control handle 49 placed inside the shell.
  • the chain or belt 46 is hooked to the housing 41 which it drives in rotation about the axis y y1.
  • FIGs 10 to 17 schematically show in hatching the filling of the ballasts 3 and the control ballast 8, as well as propellants 4 during various operating phases.
  • Figure 10 shows the vehicle on the surface.
  • the water line passes slightly below the horizontal plane of symmetry of the floats.
  • FIG. 11 represents an intermediate phase during which the ballasts 3 are filled before starting to fill the adjustment ballast 8.
  • FIG 12 shows a weight adjustment phase. Ballasts 3 are completely filled. The control ballast 8 is being filled.
  • FIG 13 shows a dynamic immersion phase.
  • the control ballast 8 has been partially filled until the apparent weight is substantially zero.
  • the thrusters 4 are oriented vertically, the propeller upwards. They drive the vehicle down.
  • FIG. 14 represents the diving vehicle which is moved forward by the thrusters 4 placed horizontally, the propeller towards the rear.
  • FIG. 15 represents a diving phase during which the occupants vary the attitude of the vehicle by rotating the ballast 7 to observe the bottom substantially vertically of the vehicle.
  • FIG 16 shows a rapid ascent phase in an emergency.
  • the doors of the box containing the ballast 7 are open and the ballast is released.
  • the control ballast 8 is emptied. You can also partially or completely empty the ballast 3 to speed up the ascent.
  • the thrusters 4 are placed vertically in the upward direction.
  • Figure 17 shows a normal ascent phase.
  • the water contained in the weight adjustment box 8 is emptied, which is sufficient to ensure positive buoyancy.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Vehicle Waterproofing, Decoration, And Sanitation Devices (AREA)
  • Motorcycle And Bicycle Frame (AREA)
  • Bridges Or Land Bridges (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
  • Helmets And Other Head Coverings (AREA)
  • Pressure Vessels And Lids Thereof (AREA)
  • Emergency Lowering Means (AREA)

Description

La présente invention a pour objet des véhicules submersibles autopropulsés destinés à effectuer des promenades sous-marines.The present invention relates to self-propelled submersible vehicles intended for carrying out underwater rides.

Le secteur technique de l'invention est celui de la construction de véhicules submersibles autonomes, destinés à l'observation des fonds sous-marins.The technical sector of the invention is that of the construction of autonomous submersible vehicles, intended for the observation of the seabed.

On connaît des véhicules submersibles ou semi-submersibles destinés à promener des groupes de touristes sous l'eau.There are known submersible or semi-submersible vehicles intended to carry groups of tourists underwater.

Ces véhicules comportent des hublots transparents qui permettent de voir les fonds marins et la faune aquatique.These vehicles have transparent portholes that allow you to see the seabed and aquatic fauna.

Les véhicules submersibles de loisir connus à ce jour ne permettent pas d'atteindre des profondeurs importantes et ne sont pas des véhicules individuels permettant de choisir librement les itinéraires.The submersible recreational vehicles known to date do not allow to reach significant depths and are not individual vehicles allowing to freely choose the routes.

L'objectif de la présente invention est de procurer des véhicules submersibles permettant à une ou quelques personnes de se promener librement sous l'eau jusqu'à des profondeurs de l'ordre de 50 mètres en ayant une vision entièrement périphérique dans le plan horizontal et un angle de vision dans le plan vertical voisin de 180°.The objective of the present invention is to provide submersible vehicles allowing one or a few people to walk freely underwater to depths of the order of 50 meters while having a fully peripheral vision in the horizontal plane and a viewing angle in the vertical plane close to 180 °.

Un véhicule submersible du type connu, comportant une coque résistante servant d'habitacle, des ballasts, un lest largable, des propulseurs à hélices mus par des moteurs électriques et des batteries d'accumulateurs, est décrit en FR-A-2149018.A submersible vehicle of the known type, comprising a resistant hull serving as a passenger compartment, ballasts, drop ballast, propeller thrusters driven by electric motors and accumulator batteries, is described in FR-A-2149018.

L'objectif de l'invention est atteint au moyen d'un véhicule de ce type connu, dans lequel la coque résistante comporte un hublot périphérique constitué par un manchon cylindrique vertical entièrement transparent, ayant un diamètre suffisant pour contenir plusieurs personnes assises côte à côte, lequel manchon est prolongé vers le bas par une coupole hémisphérique et vers le haut par une calotte sphérique prolongée par un kiosque cylindrique fermé par un couvercle.The object of the invention is achieved by means of a vehicle of this known type, in which the resistant shell comprises a peripheral porthole constituted by a completely transparent vertical cylindrical sleeve, having a diameter sufficient to contain several people seated side by side , which sleeve is extended downwards by a hemispherical dome and upwards by a spherical cap extended by a cylindrical kiosk closed by a cover.

Le kiosque comporte un deuxième hublot périphérique constitué par un deuxième manchon cylindrique vertical entièrement transparent et le couvercle comporte, en son centre, un hublot transparentThe kiosk comprises a second peripheral porthole constituted by a second vertical cylindrical sleeve which is entirely transparent and the cover comprises, in its center, a transparent porthole

Selon un mode de réalisation préférentiel, les hublots périphériques sont des manchons d'une seule pièce en polyméthacrylate de méthyle, dont les deux extrémités sont appuyées sur deux joints et sont engagées dans deux brides en forme de profilés en U, qui sont maintenues serrées sur lesdits manchons par des tirants.According to a preferred embodiment, the peripheral portholes are sleeves of a single piece of polymethyl methacrylate, the two ends of which are supported on two seals and are engaged in two flanges in the form of U-shaped profiles, which are held tight on said sleeves by tie rods.

Un véhicule selon un mode préférentiel de l'invention comporte une structure tubulaire qui entoure ladite coque résistante et qui supporte tous les autres composants du véhicule et ladite coque résistante est reliée à ladite structure tubulaire par des liaisons élastiques.A vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a tubular structure which surrounds said resistant shell and which supports all the other components of the vehicle and said resistant shell is connected to said tubular structure by elastic connections.

Avantageusement, le lest largable est constitué par un caisson orientable rempli d'un matériau à l'état divisé, qui est articulé autour d'un axe horizontal transversal supporté par la structure tubulaire et ledit véhicule comporte des moyens pour commander le pivotement dudit caisson autour dudit axe depuis l'intérieur de la coque résistante.Advantageously, the releasable ballast is constituted by an orientable box filled with a material in the divided state, which is articulated around a transverse horizontal axis supported by the tubular structure and said vehicle comprises means for controlling the pivoting of said box around of said axis from the inside of the resistant shell.

L'invention a pour résultat de nouveaux véhicules submersibles dans lesquels une ou quelques personnes peuvent prendre place et qui permettent à celles-ci de se promener librement sous l'eau pour visiter les fonds sous-marins jusqu'à des profondeurs pouvant atteindre 50 mètres.The invention results in new submersible vehicles in which one or a few people can take place and which allow them to wander freely underwater to visit the seabed to depths of up to 50 meters. .

Un véhicule submersible selon l'invention permet d'avoir une très bonne visibilité avec un champ de vision de 360° dans le plan horizontal et qui peut atteindre 180° dans le plan vertical grâce aux possibilités de variations d'assiette offertes par le lest orientable.A submersible vehicle according to the invention makes it possible to have very good visibility with a field of vision of 360 ° in the horizontal plane and which can reach 180 ° in the vertical plane thanks to the possibilities of attitude variations offered by the swiveling ballast. .

Les opérations nécessaires pour obtenir l'immersion d'un véhicule selon l'invention sont relativement simples. Il suffit de remplir d'abord les quatre ballasts supérieurs simplement en ouvrant des évents.The operations necessary to obtain the immersion of a vehicle according to the invention are relatively simple. It is sufficient to first fill the four upper ballasts simply by opening vents.

Une fois ces ballasts pleins, la flottabilité est encore positive.Once these ballasts are full, the buoyancy is still positive.

Les occupants remplissent alors progressivement le réservoir de réglage jusqu'à ce que la flottabilité soit sensiblement nulle.The occupants then gradually fill the adjustment tank until the buoyancy is substantially zero.

Ils peuvent ensuite faire descendre le véhicule sous l'eau en utilisant les propulseurs.They can then lower the vehicle underwater using the thrusters.

La structure particulière d'un véhicule selon une réalisation de l'invention, qui comporte une coque résistante fixée,par des liaisons élastiques, à une structure tubulaire qui porte tous les autres composants du véhicule et qui supporte les charges verticales descendantes ou ascendantes, présente l'avantage que la coque résistante peut être calculée séparément pour résister uniquement aux pressions hydrostatiques, ce qui permet de concevoir une coque comportant un hublot cylindrique transparent pouvant atteindre des profondeurs d'immersion allant jusqu'à 50 mètres.The particular structure of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention, which comprises a resistant shell fixed, by elastic connections, to a tubular structure which carries all the other components of the vehicle and which supports vertical downward or upward loads, has the advantage that the resistant hull can be calculated separately to withstand only hydrostatic pressures, which makes it possible to design a hull comprising a transparent cylindrical porthole that can reach immersion depths ranging up to 50 meters.

Les véhicules selon l'invention sont particulièrement adaptés pour équiper des centres de loisirs ou des clubs de vacances situés en bord de mer ou de lagons, afin de permettre aux clients de s'entraîner à la conduite d'un petit sous-marin, puis de se promener à deux sous l'eau pour visiter les fonds sous-marins.The vehicles according to the invention are particularly suitable for equipping leisure centers or holiday clubs located by the sea or in lagoons, in order to allow customers to practice driving a small submarine, then to go for a walk underwater to visit the seabed.

La description suivante se réfère aux dessins annexés qui représentent, sans aucun caractère limitatif, un exemple de réalisation d'un véhicule submersible selon l'invention.The following description refers to the appended drawings which represent, without any limiting character, an embodiment of a submersible vehicle according to the invention.

La figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un véhicule selon l'invention.Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to the invention.

Les figures 2, 3 et 4 sont respectivement une vue en élévation, une demi-vue de dessus, une demi-coupe horizontale, une demi-vue de l'avant et une demi-vue de l'arrière d'un véhicule selon l'invention.Figures 2, 3 and 4 are respectively an elevational view, a half view from above, a horizontal half-section, a half view from the front and a half view from the rear of a vehicle according to l 'invention.

La figure 5 est une coupe axiale de la coque résistante.Figure 5 is an axial section of the resistant shell.

La figure 6 est une coupe verticale partielle de la liaison inférieure entre la coque et la structure tubulaire.Figure 6 is a partial vertical section of the lower connection between the shell and the tubular structure.

La figure 7 est une coupe verticale de la liaison supérieure entre la coque résistante et la structure tubulaire.Figure 7 is a vertical section of the upper connection between the resistant shell and the tubular structure.

La figure 8 est une demi-vue de face et une demi-coupe axiale transversale du lest largable.Figure 8 is a half front view and a transverse axial half-section of the releasable ballast.

La figure 9 est une coupe axiale longitudinale selon IX-IX de la figure 8.FIG. 9 is a longitudinal axial section along IX-IX of FIG. 8.

Les figures 10 à 17 sont des vues schématiques représentant un véhicule selon l'invention au cours de différentes phases d'utilisation.Figures 10 to 17 are schematic views showing a vehicle according to the invention during different phases of use.

Un véhicule selon l'invention comporte, au centre, une coque 1 qui résiste à la pression hydrostatique jusqu'à une profondeur d'immersion déterminée, pouvant atteindre par exemple 50 mètres.A vehicle according to the invention comprises, in the center, a shell 1 which resists hydrostatic pressure up to a determined immersion depth, which can reach, for example, 50 meters.

La coque 1 est un corps creux qui sert d'habitacle à quelques personnes, par exemple à deux personnes assises côte à côte.The shell 1 is a hollow body which serves as a cabin for a few people, for example two people seated side by side.

Le véhicule comporte une structure tubulaire 2 qui entoure la coque centrale et qui est reliée à celle-ci par des liaisons élastiques qui seront décrites ci-après.The vehicle comprises a tubular structure 2 which surrounds the central shell and which is connected thereto by elastic connections which will be described below.

La structure tubulaire porte quatre ballasts 3 qui sont fixés à la partie supérieure de la structure à un niveau tel qu'ils sont en grande partie hors de l'eau lorsqu'ils sont vides et ils servent alors de flotteur. Ces ballasts sont en communication permanente avec la mer. La structure tubulaire porte également deux propulseurs à hélices 4, situés sur les côtés de la coque résistante.The tubular structure carries four ballasts 3 which are fixed to the upper part of the structure at a level such that they are largely out of the water when they are empty and they then serve as a float. These ballasts are in permanent communication with the sea. The tubular structure also carries two propeller thrusters 4, located on the sides of the resistant hull.

La structure tubulaire 2 porte, à la partie inférieure, un caisson 5 qui est rempli d'huile et qui contient des batteries qui alimentent les moteurs des propulseurs. Le caisson 5 porte des projecteurs d'éclairage 6.The tubular structure 2 carries, at the bottom, a box 5 which is filled with oil and which contains batteries which supply the engines of the thrusters. The box 5 carries light projectors 6.

La structure tubulaire 2 porte, en outre, un lest largable 7 qui pivote autour d'un axe transversal.The tubular structure 2 carries, in addition, a releasable ballast 7 which pivots about a transverse axis.

La structure tubulaire 2 porte également un ballast réglable 8, formé par un réservoir cylindrique ayant des fonds bombés, qui est situé à l'arrière de la coque résistante et qui permet de régler la flottabilité du véhicule lors de la plongée.The tubular structure 2 also carries an adjustable ballast 8, formed by a cylindrical tank having domed bottoms, which is located at the rear of the resistant hull and which makes it possible to adjust the buoyancy of the vehicle during the dive.

La structure tubulaire porte enfin des bouteilles 9 d'oxygène comprimé destiné à la respiration des occupants de l'habitacle et des bouteilles 10 d'air comprimé destiné à châsser l'eau des ballasts.The tubular structure finally carries bottles 9 of compressed oxygen intended for the breathing of the occupants of the passenger compartment and bottles 10 of compressed air intended to drive the water out of the ballasts.

On voit sur les figures 1, 2 et 4 que la structure tubulaire 2 comporte deux patins 11 qui reposent sur le sol lorsque le véhicule est posé à terre ou sur le fond de la mer.It can be seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 that the tubular structure 2 has two pads 11 which rest on the ground when the vehicle is placed on the ground or on the bottom of the sea.

Deux gouvernails 12 manoeuvrables depuis l'intérieur de l'habitacle sont placés à l'arrière des deux ballasts arrière.Two rudders 12 maneuverable from inside the passenger compartment are placed at the rear of the two rear ballasts.

La structure tubulaire porte une plateforme 2a qui entoure un kiosque 21, lequel est prolongé vers l'arrière par un carénage 21a.The tubular structure carries a platform 2a which surrounds a kiosk 21, which is extended towards the rear by a fairing 21a.

La structure tubulaire 2 est composée d'un treillis de tubes verticaux reliés entre eux par des entretoises horizontales, longitudinales et transversales et renforcées par des tubes de contreventement inclinés. Elle est calculée pour travailler soit en compression lorsque le véhicule est hors de l'eau, soit en tension verticale en immersion.The tubular structure 2 is composed of a trellis of vertical tubes connected to each other by horizontal, longitudinal and transverse struts and reinforced by inclined bracing tubes. It is calculated to work either in compression when the vehicle is out of the water, or in vertical tension in immersion.

On voit sur les figures 1, 2 et 3 que les ballasts 3 ont la forme de fuseaux symétriques par rapport à un plan horizontal et par rapport à un plan vertical longitudinal.It can be seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 that the ballasts 3 have the shape of spindles symmetrical with respect to a horizontal plane and with respect to a longitudinal vertical plane.

Chaque ballast peut contenir environ 100 litres d'eau. Les ballasts ont une forme profilée destinée à réduire la traînée.Each ballast can hold approximately 100 liters of water. Ballasts have a contoured shape to reduce drag.

On voit sur la figure 2 que la section de chaque ballast par des plans verticaux longitudinaux présente une forme arrondie à l'avant et une forme effilée à l'arrière.It can be seen in FIG. 2 that the section of each ballast by longitudinal vertical planes has a rounded shape at the front and a tapered shape at the rear.

On voit également sur la figure 3 que la section de chaque ballast par des plans verticaux longitudinaux présente une forme effilée à l'avant et arrondie à l'arrière. On a représenté en pointillés sur les figures 2 et 3 la trace 13 du maître couple c'est-à-dire la ligne passant par les points correspondant à la plus grande largeur. On voit que cette ligne n'est pas contenue dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe.It can also be seen in FIG. 3 that the section of each ballast by longitudinal vertical planes has a tapered shape at the front and rounded at the rear. There is shown in dotted lines in Figures 2 and 3 the trace 13 of the master couple that is to say the line passing through the points corresponding to the greatest width. We see that this line is not contained in a plane perpendicular to the axis.

La forme particulière des ballasts décrite ci-dessus, a été conçue pour trouver un compromis entre résistance à l'avancement en plongée et en surface.The particular shape of the ballasts described above was designed to find a compromise between resistance to advancement in diving and on the surface.

On voit également sur les figures 1 à 3 que les moteurs des propulseurs sont carénés, c'est-à-dire placés dans une enveloppe profilée arrondie à l'avant afin de réduire la traînée.It can also be seen in FIGS. 1 to 3 that the engines of the thrusters are faired, that is to say placed in a profiled envelope rounded at the front in order to reduce the drag.

Les propulseurs 4 sont montés pivotants par rapport à un axe horizontal transversal, de telle sorte qu'ils peuvent servir à propulser l'engin dans toutes les directions. L'axe de pivotement des propulseurs passe par le centre de poussée de la coque.The thrusters 4 are pivotally mounted with respect to a transverse horizontal axis, so that they can be used to propel the machine in all directions. The pivot axis of the thrusters passes through the center of thrust of the hull.

Les propulseurs 4 sont orientables à ± 90° autour de l'axe de pivotement.The thrusters 4 are adjustable ± 90 ° around the pivot axis.

La figure 5 est une coupe axiale d'un mode de réalisation préférentiel d'un habitacle 1, dans lequel peuvent prendre place deux personnes assises. Cet habitacle est une coque étanche pouvant résister avec une marge de sécurité à une profondeur d'immersion déterminée, par exemple à une pression hydrostatique correspondant à une profondeur de 50 mètres.Figure 5 is an axial section of a preferred embodiment of a passenger compartment 1, in which two seated people can take place. This passenger compartment is a waterproof hull capable of withstanding, with a safety margin, a determined immersion depth, for example a hydrostatic pressure corresponding to a depth of 50 meters.

La coque 1 comporte un fond 14 en acier ou en tout autre métal en forme de coupole hémisphérique qui est soudé sur une bride 15 située dans le plan diamétral. La bride 15 est par exemple un profilé en forme de U dont les ailes sont tournées vers le haut.The shell 1 has a bottom 14 made of steel or any other metal in the form of a hemispherical dome which is welded to a flange 15 situated in the diametrical plane. The flange 15 is for example a U-shaped profile whose wings are turned upwards.

La coque 1 comporte une partie supérieure métallique 16, en forme de calotte bombée, qui est soudée sur une deuxième bride 17 constituée également par un profilé en forme de U dont les ailes sont tournées vers le bas. Les deux brides 15 et 17 sont de même diamètre et coaxiales. Elles sont reliées entre elles par des tirants 18.The shell 1 comprises a metallic upper part 16, in the form of a domed cap, which is welded to a second flange 17 also constituted by a U-shaped profile whose wings are turned downwards. The two flanges 15 and 17 are of the same diameter and coaxial. They are linked together by tie rods 18.

La coque résistante comporte, en outre, un hublot cylindrique 19, qui est un manchon transparent épais, de préférence un manchon en polymétacrylate de méthyle ou en tout autre matériau transparent ayant des propriétés mécaniques et optiques équivalentes. Le hublot 19 est fabriqué d'une seule pièce afin d'obtenir une bonne résistance mécanique à la pression.The resistant shell further comprises a cylindrical window 19, which is a thick transparent sleeve, preferably a sleeve made of polymethyl methacrylate or any other transparent material having equivalent mechanical and optical properties. The window 19 is made in one piece in order to obtain good mechanical resistance to pressure.

Le hublot 19 permet aux occupants de la coque d'avoir un champ de vision de 360° dans le plan horizontal et d'environ 70° dans le plan vertical lorsque l'axe z z′ du véhicule est vertical.The window 19 allows the occupants of the hull to have a field of vision of 360 ° in the horizontal plane and approximately 70 ° in the vertical plane when the zz ′ axis of the vehicle is vertical.

On expliquera ci-après que le lest pivotant permet d'incliner de ± 30° l'axe de l'appareil dans le plan longitudinal et d'augmenter le champ de vision pour permettre aux occupants de regarder le fond ou la surface à la verticale du véhicule.It will be explained below that the pivoting ballast makes it possible to tilt the axis of the device by ± 30 ° in the longitudinal plane and to increase the field of vision to allow the occupants to look at the background or the surface vertically of the vehicle.

Des joints d'étanchéïté 20 sont intercalés respectivement entre le bord inférieur et entre le bord supérieur du hublot 19 et chacune des brides 15 et 17. L'épaisseur du hublot 19 est inférieure à la largeur des profilés 15 et 17, de sorte qu'il s'emboîte dans ceux-ci.Seals 20 are interposed respectively between the lower edge and between the upper edge of the window 19 and each of the flanges 15 and 17. The thickness of the window 19 is less than the width of the sections 15 and 17, so that it fits into them.

La calotte 16 est prolongée vers le haut par un kiosque cylindrique 21, coaxial au hublot cylindrique et de plus petit diamètre.The cap 16 is extended upwards by a cylindrical kiosk 21, coaxial with the cylindrical window and of smaller diameter.

Le kiosque 21 sert de passage pour les occupants. Il est fermé par un couvercle étanche 22, en forme de calotte sphérique, renforcé à sa périphérie par une bride. L'étanchéïté est assurée par un joint torique qui est mis en compression par trois fermetures à excentrique.Booth 21 serves as a passage for the occupants. It is closed by a tight cover 22, in the form of a spherical cap, reinforced at its periphery by a flange. Sealing is ensured by an O-ring which is compressed by three eccentric closings.

Le couvercle est manoeuvrable de l'intérieur ou de l'extérieur. Il porte, en son centre, un hublot 23 qui permet une vison à la verticale.The cover can be operated from the inside or from outside. It carries, in its center, a porthole 23 which allows a vertical vision.

Le kiosque cylindrique 21 comporte un cylindre métallique inférieur 24 et un cylindre métallique supérieur 25, coaxiaux et de même diamètre sur chacun desquels est fixée une bride 24a ou 25a. Il comporte un hublot cylindrique transparent 26 qui est également un manchon en polyméthacrylate de méthyle qui est emboîté dans les brides 24a et 25a, qui sont des profilés en forme de U, avec interposition d'un joint d'étanchéïté.The cylindrical kiosk 21 comprises a lower metal cylinder 24 and an upper metal cylinder 25, coaxial and of the same diameter on each of which is fixed a flange 24a or 25a. It comprises a transparent cylindrical porthole 26 which is also a sleeve of polymethyl methacrylate which is fitted into the flanges 24a and 25a, which are U-shaped profiles, with the interposition of a seal.

Les deux brides 24a et 25a sont reliées entre elles par des tirants externes 27, représentés en pointillés.The two flanges 24a and 25a are connected together by external tie rods 27, shown in dotted lines.

Le hublot 26 sort de l'eau lorsque le véhicule se déplace en surface.The window 26 comes out of the water when the vehicle is moving on the surface.

A titre d'exemple, sans aucun caractère limitatif, un hublot cylindrique 19, ayant un rayon de 600 mm, une hauteur de 800 mm et une épaisseur de 60 mm, permet d'atteindre,avec une marge de sécurité, une profondeur d'immersion de 50 mètres.By way of example, without any limiting nature, a cylindrical porthole 19, having a radius of 600 mm, a height of 800 mm and a thickness of 60 mm, makes it possible to reach, with a safety margin, a depth of 50 meter immersion.

La figure 6 est une coupe verticale partielle montrant, à plus grande échelle, la liaison élastique entre la coque résistante 1 et la structure tubulaire 2.FIG. 6 is a partial vertical section showing, on a larger scale, the elastic connection between the resistant shell 1 and the tubular structure 2.

On retrouve sur cette figure le bord inférieur du hublot 19 qui est emboîté dans la bride inférieure 15 soudée au bord supérieur du fond hémisphérique 14, avec un joint plat 20 et un joint torique 20a intercalé entre le hublot 19 et la bride 15.This figure shows the lower edge of the window 19 which is fitted into the lower flange 15 welded to the upper edge of the hemispherical bottom 14, with a flat seal 20 and an O-ring 20a interposed between the window 19 and the flange 15.

On voit également sur la figure 6 un anneau tubulaire 28 qui fait partie de la structure tubulaire 2 et qui entoure coaxialement la bride 15.FIG. 6 also shows a tubular ring 28 which forms part of the tubular structure 2 and which coaxially surrounds the flange 15.

Un anneau métallique plat 29 est fixé à l'anneau tubulaire 28 par des crochets 30. L'anneau métallique 29 porte un anneau plat souple 31, en plusieurs tronçons. La bride 15 repose sur l'anneau souple 31.A flat metal ring 29 is fixed to the tubular ring 28 by hooks 30. The metal ring 29 carries a flexible flat ring 31, in several sections. The flange 15 rests on the flexible ring 31.

Lorsque le véhicule est hors de l'eau, le poids de la coque résistante est transmis par l'intermédiaire de la bride 15, des anneaux plats 31 et 32 et des crochets 30 à la structure tubulaire.When the vehicle is out of the water, the weight of the resistant shell is transmitted via the flange 15, the flat rings 31 and 32 and the hooks 30 to the tubular structure.

Lorsque le véhicule est dans l'eau, la coque résistante a une flottabilité positive et la poussée verticale ascendante est transmise à la structure tubulaire par la bride supérieure comme le montre la figure 7, qui est une coupe axiale partielle sur laquelle on retrouve la bride 17 et un anneau plat de renforcement 17a soudé à la calotte 16. On voit sur cette figure que la structure tubulaire comporte un anneau tubulaire 33, relié au reste de la structure 32 par des entretoises inclinées 34, qui portent des bossages soudés 35 dans chacun desquels est vissée une vis 36 qui s'appuie sur une plaque métallique 37 associée à une plaque élastique 38. La poussée ascendante qui s'exerce sur la coque résistante est transmise à la structure tubulaire par l'intermédiaire du renfort 17a, des plaques 38 et 37 et des vis 36.When the vehicle is in the water, the resistant hull has positive buoyancy and the upward vertical thrust is transmitted to the tubular structure by the upper flange as shown in Figure 7, which is a partial axial section on which we find the flange 17 and a flat reinforcing ring 17a welded to the cap 16. We see in this figure that the tubular structure comprises a tubular ring 33, connected to the rest of the structure 32 by inclined spacers 34, which carry bosses welded 35 in each of which is screwed a screw 36 which rests on a metal plate 37 associated with an elastic plate 38. The upward thrust which is exerted on the resistant shell is transmitted to the tubular structure via the reinforcement 17a , plates 38 and 37 and screws 36.

Le centrage de la coque résistante dans la structure tubulaire est assuré par une bande élastique 39 qui est intercalée entre le kiosque 24 et l'anneau 33.The centering of the resistant shell in the tubular structure is ensured by an elastic band 39 which is interposed between the kiosk 24 and the ring 33.

La liaison élastique entre la coque résistante et la structure tubulaire a pour effet qu'aucune contrainte importante due aux différences de flottabilité ou aux dilatations n'est transmise à la coque par la structure tubulaire et la coque résistante peut être calculée séparément en prenant en compte uniquement les contraintes dues à la pression hydrostatique. De même, l'absence de liaison rigide entre la structure et la coque évite d'avoir à fixer des moyens de liaison sur la coque au moyen de boulons ou de soudures qui pourraient fragiliser la coque résistante.The elastic connection between the resistant shell and the tubular structure has the effect that no significant stress due to the differences in buoyancy or expansion is transmitted to the shell by the tubular structure and the resistant shell can be calculated separately taking into account only the constraints due to hydrostatic pressure. Likewise, the absence of rigid connection between the structure and the shell avoids having to fix connection means on the shell by means of bolts or welds which could weaken the resistant shell.

Les commandes mécaniques sortant de la coque comportent une liaison élastique pour éviter d'exercer des contraintes sur les traversées de coque.The mechanical controls leaving the hull include an elastic connection to avoid exerting stress on the hull bushings.

Un véhicule selon l'invention comporte, de façon connue, un lest 7 largable pour des raisons de sécurité.A vehicle according to the invention comprises, in a known manner, a ballast 7 which can be released for safety reasons.

Au cas où le véhicule s'échouerait sur le fond sans pouvoir remonter, on peut commander le largage de la grenaille,ou de tout autre matériau à l'état divisé, contenue dans un caisson, dont le poids est de l'ordre de 400 Kg, de sorte que la flottabilité du véhicule devient positive, même si tous les ballasts sont pleins d'eau.In case the vehicle runs aground on the bottom without being able to go back up, we can order the dropping of the shot, or any other material in the divided state, contained in a box, whose weight is of the order of 400 Kg, so that the buoyancy of the vehicle becomes positive, even if all the ballasts are full of water.

Le lest largable d'un véhicule selon l'invention présente la particularité d'être orientable par pivotement autour d'un axe transversal, de sorte qu'il permet de faire varier l'assiette du véhicule et d'augmenter le champ de vision des occupants.The drop ballast of a vehicle according to the invention has the particularity of being orientable by pivoting about a transverse axis, so that it makes it possible to vary the attitude of the vehicle and to increase the field of vision of occupants.

La figure 8 représente dans sa partie gauche, une demi-vue de face et dans sa partie droite, une demi-coupe axiale transversale de la partie inférieure d'un véhicule selon l'invention.FIG. 8 represents in its left part, a half front view and in its right part, a transverse axial half-section of the lower part of a vehicle according to the invention.

La figure 9 est une coupe longitudinale selon IX-IX de la figure 8, sur laquelle on a représenté en traits pleins, le lest largable en position verticale et,en pointillés, le lest largable en position inclinée vers l'avant.Figure 9 is a longitudinal section along IX-IX of Figure 8, in which there is shown in solid lines, the ballast releasable in vertical position and, in dotted lines, the ballast releasable in position tilted forward.

On retrouve sur les figures 8 et 9 la bride inférieure 15 et la coque résistante ainsi que l'anneau tubulaire 28 qui appartient à la structure tubulaire.Found in Figures 8 and 9 the lower flange 15 and the resistant shell and the tubular ring 28 which belongs to the tubular structure.

A cet anneau sont accrochés deux bouts d'arbres 40a, 40b qui sont alignés et qui définissent un axe transversal y y1, situé dans le plan transversal axial de la coque résistante.Hanging from this ring are two ends of shafts 40a, 40b which are aligned and which define a transverse axis y y1, situated in the axial transverse plane of the resistant shell.

Le lest largable comporte un caisson métallique 41 monté pivotant autour de l'axe transversal 40a, 40b. Le caisson 41 est rempli de billes de plomb ou de tout autre matériau à l'état divisé constituant un lest largable.Le caisson 41 est situé entre la coupole hémisphérique 14 et le caisson 5 qui contient les batteries 42.The releasable ballast comprises a metal box 41 mounted to pivot about the transverse axis 40a, 40b. The box 41 is filled with lead balls or any other material in the divided state constituting a releasable ballast. The box 41 is located between the hemispherical dome 14 and the box 5 which contains the batteries 42.

En coupe perpendiculaire à l'axe y y1, le caisson 41 présente une paroi interne 41a, ayant la forme d'un secteur circulaire centré sur l'axe y y1, ayant une ouverture angulaire α de l'ordre de 60°. Cette paroi interne épouse sensiblement la forme de la coupole hémisphérique 14 avec du jeu, de sorte que le caisson peut pivoter librement autour de l'axe y y1 en suivant la paroi de la coupole hémisphérique.In section perpendicular to the axis y y1, the box 41 has an internal wall 41a, having the shape of a circular sector centered on the axis y y1, having an angular opening α of the order of 60 °. This internal wall substantially matches the shape of the hemispherical dome 14 with play, so that the box can pivot freely around the axis y y1 following the wall of the hemispherical dome.

La paroi externe du caisson est constituée par quatre portes ou volets 43a, 43b, qui sont articulés deux à deux respectivement autour d'un axe transversal 44a pour les deux volets 43a et autour d'un axe transversal 44b pour les deux volets 43b.The outer wall of the box is constituted by four doors or flaps 43a, 43b, which are hinged in pairs respectively around a transverse axis 44a for the two flaps 43a and around a transverse axis 44b for the two flaps 43b.

Les portes 43a, 43b sont des portions de cylindre dont les génératrices sont parallèles aux axes 44a, 44b.The doors 43a, 43b are cylinder portions whose generatrices are parallel to the axes 44a, 44b.

Le caisson 41 comporte,sur ses parois transversales,des vérins hydrauliques 45a, 45b qui font fonction de freins pour maintenir les portes 43a, 43b fermées.The box 41 has, on its transverse walls, hydraulic cylinders 45a, 45b which act as brakes to keep the doors 43a, 43b closed.

Lorsqu'on désire larguer le lest, on ouvre des vannes placées à l'intérieur de l'habitacle,qui mettent en communication les vérins 45a, 45b avec un réservoir.When it is desired to release the ballast, the valves placed inside the passenger compartment are opened, which put the jacks 45a, 45b in communication with a tank.

Le liquide contenu dans les vérins 45a, 45b se vide,les portes 43a, 43b s'ouvrent et la grenaille contenu dans les caissons est larguée.The liquid contained in the jacks 45a, 45b is emptied, the doors 43a, 43b open and the shot contained in the boxes is released.

Un véhicule selon l'invention ne doit pas dépasser une profondeur d'immersion déterminée.A vehicle according to the invention must not exceed a determined immersion depth.

A cet effet, il est équipé d'un capteur, par exemple d'un capteur de pression hydrostatique qui émet un signal lorsqu'une première profondeur d'immersion déterminée est atteinte et ce signal commande une alarme placée à l'intérieur de l'habitacle. Si la profondeur d'immersion continue à croître, un deuxième signal est émis, qui commande automatiquement l'ouverture d'une électrovanne qui commande la vidange des vérins 45a, 45b et le largage du lest et le véhicule remonte en surface.For this purpose, it is equipped with a sensor, for example a hydrostatic pressure sensor which emits a signal when a first determined immersion depth is reached and this signal controls an alarm placed inside the cockpit. If the immersion depth continues to increase, a second signal is sent, which automatically controls the opening of a solenoid valve which controls the emptying of the jacks 45a, 45b and the release of the ballast and the vehicle rises to the surface.

Le caisson 41 est orientable par pivotement autour de l'axe y y1. La commande du pivotement est réalisée au moyen d'une chaîne ou d'une courroie crantée sans fin 46, représentée en pointillés, qui passe sur une poulie de renvoi 47 et sur une poulie ou une roue dentée 47a, qui est montée sur un arbre 48 qui traverse la coque métallique 14 et qui est muni d'une poignée de commande 49 placée à l'intérieur de la coque. La chaîne ou courroie 46 est accrochée au boîtier 41 qu'elle entraîne en rotation autour de l'axe y y1.The box 41 is orientable by pivoting around the axis y y1. The pivoting control is carried out by means of a chain or an endless toothed belt 46, shown in dotted lines, which passes over a deflection pulley 47 and over a pulley or a toothed wheel 47a, which is mounted on a shaft. 48 which passes through the metal shell 14 and which is provided with a control handle 49 placed inside the shell. The chain or belt 46 is hooked to the housing 41 which it drives in rotation about the axis y y1.

Lorsque le boîtier 41 est incliné, le centre de gravité du véhicule se trouve écarté de la verticale du centre de poussée et il exerce sur la coque 41 un couple qui provoque l'inclinaison de l'axe y y1 de la coque permettant d'obtenir un réglage de l'assiette de l'ordre de ± 30°.When the housing 41 is tilted, the center of gravity of the vehicle is moved away from the vertical of the center of thrust and it exerts on the hull 41 a torque which causes the inclination of the axis y y1 of the hull making it possible to obtain a trim adjustment of the order of ± 30 °.

Les figures 10 à 17 représentent schématiquement en hachures le remplissage des ballasts 3 et du ballast de réglage 8, ainsi que des propulseurs 4 pendant diverses phases de fonctionnement.Figures 10 to 17 schematically show in hatching the filling of the ballasts 3 and the control ballast 8, as well as propellants 4 during various operating phases.

La figure 10 représente le véhicule en surface. La ligne de flottaison passe légèrement au-dessous du plan de symétrie horizontal des flotteurs.Figure 10 shows the vehicle on the surface. The water line passes slightly below the horizontal plane of symmetry of the floats.

La figure 11 représente une phase intermédiaire pendant laquelle on remplit les ballasts 3 avant de commencer à remplir le ballast de réglage 8.FIG. 11 represents an intermediate phase during which the ballasts 3 are filled before starting to fill the adjustment ballast 8.

La figure 12 représente une phase de réglage du poids. Les ballasts 3 sont remplis entièrement. Le ballast de réglage 8 est en cours de remplissage.Figure 12 shows a weight adjustment phase. Ballasts 3 are completely filled. The control ballast 8 is being filled.

La figure 13 représente une phase d'immersion dynamique. Le ballast de réglage 8 a été rempli en partie jusqu'à ce que le poids apparent soit sensiblement nul. Les propulseurs 4 sont orientés à la verticale,l'hélice vers le haut. Ils entraînent le véhicule vers le bas.Figure 13 shows a dynamic immersion phase. The control ballast 8 has been partially filled until the apparent weight is substantially zero. The thrusters 4 are oriented vertically, the propeller upwards. They drive the vehicle down.

La figure 14 représente le véhicule en plongée qui est déplacé vers l'avant par les propulseurs 4 placés à l'horizontale, l'hélice vers l'arrière.FIG. 14 represents the diving vehicle which is moved forward by the thrusters 4 placed horizontally, the propeller towards the rear.

La figure 15 représente une phase en plongée pendant laquelle les occupants font varier l'assiette du véhicule en faisant pivoter le lest 7 pour observer le fond sensiblement à la verticale du véhicule.FIG. 15 represents a diving phase during which the occupants vary the attitude of the vehicle by rotating the ballast 7 to observe the bottom substantially vertically of the vehicle.

La figure 16 représente une phase de remontée rapide en cas d'urgence. Les portes du caisson contenant le lest 7 sont ouvertes et le lest est largué. Le ballast de réglage 8 est vidé. On peut également vider en partie ou en totalité le ballast 3 pour accélérer la remontée. Les propulseurs 4 sont placés à la verticale dans le sens de la remontée.Figure 16 shows a rapid ascent phase in an emergency. The doors of the box containing the ballast 7 are open and the ballast is released. The control ballast 8 is emptied. You can also partially or completely empty the ballast 3 to speed up the ascent. The thrusters 4 are placed vertically in the upward direction.

La figure 17 représente une phase de remontée normale. On vide l'eau contenue dans le caisson de réglage du poids 8, ce qui suffit à assurer une flottabilité positive.Figure 17 shows a normal ascent phase. The water contained in the weight adjustment box 8 is emptied, which is sufficient to ensure positive buoyancy.

Claims (10)

1. Self-propelled manned submersible vehicle of the type comprising a pressure-resistant capsule (1) serving as a cabin, ballast tanks (3, 5), releasable ballast (7), propulsion units (4) having propellers driven by electric motors, and storage batteries (42), characterized in that said pressure-resistant capsule comprises a peripheral window constituted by a vertical cylindrical sleeve (19) which is entirely transparent, said sleeve being of sufficient diameter to house a plurality of people sitting side-by-side, said sleeve being extended downwardly by a hemispherical bottom (14) and upwardly by a spherical cap (16) which is extended by a cylindrical conning tower (21) which is closed by a hatch (22).
2. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that said conning tower (21) includes a second peripheral window (26) constituted by a second vertical cylindrical sleeve which is entirely transparent, and said hatch includes a central transparent porthole (23).
3. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said peripheral windows (19, 26) are constituted by a one-piece sleeve of polymethylmethacrylate with the two ends of the sleeve being pressed against gaskets (20) and received in respective channel section flanges (15, 17), with said flanges being clamped against said sleeve by tie bars (18, 27).
4. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it includes a tubular frame (2) surrounding said pressure-resistant capsule and supporting all of the other components of the vehicle, with said pressure-resistant capsule (1) being connected to said tubular frame (2) via resilient connections.
5. Vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that said tubular frame (2) includes a first tubular ring (28) which is placed coaxially around the bottom flange (15) and a second tubular ring (32, 33) connected to the frame by spacers (34) and disposed around said spherical cap (16) carrying the top flange (17), with the bottom flange (15) bearing against a flexible flat ring (31) which is carried by a rigid flat ring (29) hooked to said first tubular ring (28), and with screws (36) which are screwed to said spacers (34) pressing flexible buffers (38) against said top flange (17).
6. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it includes ballast tanks (3) which are fixed to the top portion of said tubular frame (2) and which are pod-shaped, being symmetrical about a longitudinal vertical plane with sections in longitudinal vertical planes being rounded at the forward end and tapering at the after end, and also being symmetrical about a horizontal plane with horizontal sections which are tapering at the forward end and which are rounded at the after end.
7. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said releasable ballast is constituted by a tiltable case (7) filled with material in the divided state, said case being tiltable about a transverse axis (4, 41) supported by said tubular frame (2), and said vehicle includes means (46, 46a, 47, 48, 49) for controlling the pivoting of said case about said axis (4, 41) from inside the pressure-resistant capsule.
8. Vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that said case is received between said hemispherical bottom (14) and a case (5) containing the batteries (42).
9. Vehicle according to any one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that said case is closed by doors (43a, 43b) which open downwardly and which are maintained in the closed position by hydraulic actuators (45a, 45b), with the hydraulic circuit feeding said actuators including manually operable valves inside said watertight capsule and electrically-operated valves which are automatically controlled by a pressure sensor for the purpose of releasing said ballast by opening said doors.
10. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said tubular frame (2) carries two propulsion units (4) having propellers, said units being tiltable through ± 90° about a transverse horizontal axis passing through the center of buoyancy of the pressure-resistant capsule.
EP88430032A 1987-12-18 1988-12-16 Self-propelled, manned and submersible vehicle for underwater travel Expired - Lifetime EP0321372B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8717973 1987-12-18
FR8717973A FR2624826B1 (en) 1987-12-18 1987-12-18 HABITATED AND SELF-PROPELLED SUBMERSIBLE VEHICLES FOR SUBSEA WALKS

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0321372A1 EP0321372A1 (en) 1989-06-21
EP0321372B1 true EP0321372B1 (en) 1992-03-11

Family

ID=9358184

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88430032A Expired - Lifetime EP0321372B1 (en) 1987-12-18 1988-12-16 Self-propelled, manned and submersible vehicle for underwater travel

Country Status (9)

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US (1) US4938164A (en)
EP (1) EP0321372B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2678302B2 (en)
AU (1) AU618041B2 (en)
CA (1) CA1319297C (en)
DE (1) DE3869093D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2030201T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2624826B1 (en)
GR (1) GR3004716T3 (en)

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US5704309A (en) * 1995-12-06 1998-01-06 Seamagine Hydrospace Corporation Hybrid boat and underwater watercraft
US5727496A (en) * 1996-05-03 1998-03-17 Global Oceanic Designs Ltd. Transport vehicle hull
US6321676B1 (en) 1999-01-07 2001-11-27 Seamagine Hydrospace Corporation Underwater craft having sealed and inflatable buoyancy chambers
FR2841210B1 (en) 2002-06-20 2004-09-03 Psi HABITATED AND SELF-PROPELLED SUBMERSIBLE VEHICLE WITH TILTING HULL
US6571725B1 (en) 2002-08-08 2003-06-03 Michael Ronald Lee Watercraft with anticavitation control
WO2010051629A1 (en) * 2008-11-04 2010-05-14 National Research Council Of Canada Propulsion system for an autonomous underwater vehicle
BR112014016806A8 (en) 2012-01-05 2017-07-04 Canopy Entpr Inc underwater vehicle, underwater observation method and system
US20130204464A1 (en) * 2012-02-07 2013-08-08 David C. Mauck Semi-autonomous underwater vehicle
ES2938767T3 (en) 2013-09-12 2023-04-14 Ian Sheard underwater vessel
US9193424B2 (en) * 2014-01-24 2015-11-24 Pacific Ocean Marine Industry Co., Ltd. Manned submarine for underwater viewing and experience
CN105539770A (en) * 2015-12-04 2016-05-04 深圳市易特科信息技术有限公司 Rescue diving apparatus and method for sea rescue
US10723424B2 (en) * 2017-07-18 2020-07-28 Emanuel George Pepis Breathing apparatus
CN108622353B (en) * 2018-05-30 2023-10-10 上海海洋大学 Load throwing device for underwater vehicle
CN110481738B (en) * 2019-08-20 2022-04-05 哈尔滨工程大学 Full-light-transmitting spherical manned cabin sightseeing submersible vehicle
CN111514480A (en) * 2020-05-06 2020-08-11 中国船舶科学研究中心 Full-closed breathing system for long-time use of manned submersible passengers

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2624826A1 (en) 1989-06-23
JPH01197197A (en) 1989-08-08
JP2678302B2 (en) 1997-11-17
AU618041B2 (en) 1991-12-12
US4938164A (en) 1990-07-03
CA1319297C (en) 1993-06-22
AU2677188A (en) 1989-06-22
DE3869093D1 (en) 1992-04-16
ES2030201T3 (en) 1992-10-16
EP0321372A1 (en) 1989-06-21
FR2624826B1 (en) 1990-06-08
GR3004716T3 (en) 1993-04-28

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