WO2003018399A1 - Deep-sea diving system - Google Patents

Deep-sea diving system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2003018399A1
WO2003018399A1 PCT/FR2002/002470 FR0202470W WO03018399A1 WO 2003018399 A1 WO2003018399 A1 WO 2003018399A1 FR 0202470 W FR0202470 W FR 0202470W WO 03018399 A1 WO03018399 A1 WO 03018399A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tank
flexible
reservoir
diving system
cut
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR2002/002470
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Manuel Roure
Benoît Saillet
Original Assignee
Salomon S.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Salomon S.A. filed Critical Salomon S.A.
Priority to EP02796287A priority Critical patent/EP1419087A1/en
Priority to US10/486,206 priority patent/US20040234343A1/en
Publication of WO2003018399A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003018399A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B63C11/02—Divers' equipment
    • B63C11/18—Air supply
    • B63C11/20—Air supply from water surface
    • B63C11/202—Air supply from water surface with forced air supply
    • 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
    • B63C11/02—Divers' equipment
    • B63C11/18—Air supply
    • B63C2011/188—Air supply comprising warning means for breathing gas run-out

Definitions

  • the invention relates to scuba diving systems comprising a reservoir of breathable gas which remains on the surface of the water.
  • the plunger is connected to the tank by a supply circuit comprising a pipe which is generally relatively long to allow the plunger to move in a certain area around and below the tank.
  • a supply circuit comprising a pipe which is generally relatively long to allow the plunger to move in a certain area around and below the tank.
  • tanks for hookah systems There are various types of tanks for hookah systems. Some are rigid, others are flexible. Among the advantages of flexible tanks, one can cite the fact that the tank is light and that it can be made very compact when the system is not used. This notably facilitates the problem of transporting the system to the practice site.
  • the tank remains floating on the surface even at the end of the dive, not only so that the diving system does not sink, but above all to form a buoy on which the diver can take support. end of dive.
  • the tank since the tank is flexible, its volume will decrease, especially at the end of the dive if the diver sucks all the gas contained in the tank
  • the object of the invention is to propose a diving system which is both simple and practical in design and which makes it possible to guarantee by a space-saving device that the tank remains floating on the surface of the water, even at the end of the dive. .
  • the invention provides a diving system comprising a flexible breathing gas tank intended to float on the surface of the water and comprising a supply circuit by which a plunger is connected to the flexible tank to draw gas therefrom.
  • breathable characterized in that the system comprises a cut-off member of the supply circuit which cuts off the supply of breathing gas to the plunger when the pressure in the tank falls below a predetermined cut-off threshold.
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a diving system in accordance with the teachings of the invention
  • Figure 2 is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a supply cut-off member.
  • a diving system 10 comprising a tank of pressurized breathable gas 12 and comprising a supply circuit 14 which allows the underwater diver to breathe the gas contained in the tank 12.
  • the tank is a flexible tank and it is intended to remain on the surface of the water.
  • the supply circuit 14 is very schematically represented by a supply pipe 16 which is connected to the reservoir and the free end of which is provided with a mouthpiece 18 preferably incorporating a regulator by which the plunger can suck in the breathable gas. contained in the tank 12.
  • the diving system 10 also includes means (not shown) which make it possible to fill the tank with a breathable gas mixture such as air. These means can be a simple device for connection to an air compressor. It may also be means intended to be carried on board with the tank. The air will for example be stored in the tank 12 under a maximum pressure of 10 to 20 bars. In certain cases, in particular if the air storage pressure is high, provision may be made for a two-stage regulator system.
  • the reservoir 12 is a flexible reservoir in the sense that at least some of the walls which delimit it are liable to deform by allowing the volume, both internal and external of the reservoir, to be reduced or increased.
  • the reservoir will however have an inextensible maximum volume, which volume will for example be reached from an absolute pressure of the order of 1.2 to 1.5 bars. From this pressure, the tank will have reached an "inflated” state and, beyond, its volume will no longer increase significantly.
  • the reservoir will preferably have a very small external volume once "deflated”.
  • the reservoir is a fully flexible reservoir made up of a waterproof fabric bag.
  • This construction is both simple and light, and it makes the tank extremely compact when not in use.
  • the reservoir 12 can be fully deflated and folded back on itself.
  • the constituent material may also be a flexible and waterproof plastic material (for example a polyurethane) or the reservoir may be constructed with a multi-layer material using a first layer of a material ensuring mechanical resistance to pressure and at least one waterproof inner layer.
  • the reservoir may be only partially flexible. It could thus include at least one rigid or semi-rigid face making it possible to attach accessories such as carrying straps or systems for connection to a device for filling the reservoir, and even to fix the connection means of the supply circuit 16.
  • the reservoir could also have two opposite rigid walls joined to one another by flexible walls so that, in the position of use, the reservoir is substantially parallelepiped shape but that, in the storage position, it no longer takes the form of a rigid flat rectangle of small thickness.
  • the flexible walls could also consist of rigid elements hinged together.
  • the reservoir 12 forms the entire emerged part of the diving system.
  • the system includes other components or accessories.
  • This pump could thus be integrated into a compartment integral with the tank.
  • the tank can play the role of float by providing these accessories with a buoyancy reserve to keep the assembly on the surface of the water, without having to provide any specific flotation device.
  • the tank can be associated with a rigid or semi-rigid structure forming, in combination with the tank, a hydrodynamic float on which the diver can rest to swim on the surface of the water with a minimum of effort.
  • the diving system comprises, in addition to the flexible tank according to the invention, at least one auxiliary tank which may be flexible or rigid.
  • the diving system 10 comprises a cut-off member 20 of the supply circuit 14 which, below a predetermined pressure threshold in the tank 12, prevents the plunger from drawing air into The reservoir.
  • the predetermined pressure threshold will be determined as a function of the pressure necessary to maintain the reservoir 12 in an "inflated" state in which it retains all or at least a significant part of its flotation capacity.
  • This predetermined cut-off threshold could for example be an absolute pressure threshold in the tank. It can thus be set at an absolute pressure value between 1.2 and 1.5 bar. It may also be a relative pressure threshold in the tank with respect to atmospheric pressure, the cut-off device imposing a pressure in the tank greater than atmospheric pressure, for example from 50 to 200 millibar.
  • Illustrated in Figure 2 is an example of a cutoff member capable of being used for the implementation of the invention.
  • the cut-off member 20 is here a calibrated valve produced in the form of a differential pressure diaphragm valve, a member which is known per se, and it is shown in the cut-off position of the supply.
  • the valve thus comprises a housing 22 which is divided in leaktight manner by a membrane 24 into two chambers: a circulation chamber 26 and a control chamber 28.
  • the control chamber 28 is open to the atmosphere so that the pressure which reigns there atmospheric pressure.
  • the circulation chamber 26 is in turn divided into two compartments: an upstream compartment 30 which is connected to the interior of the reservoir 12, and a downstream compartment 32 to which the supply pipe 16 is connected.
  • the two compartments 30, 32 communicate at the level of a circular seat 34 arranged opposite the membrane 24.
  • the membrane 24 carries a plane shutter 36 which is capable of pressing against the seat 34 to interrupt any circulation of fluid between the two compartments 30, 32
  • a compression spring 38 is arranged in the control chamber 28 to prestress the shutter 36 in the direction of the seat 34.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)

Abstract

The invention provides a diving system comprising a flexible breathing gas reservoir (12) designed to float at sea surface and including a power supply circuit (14) through which a diver is connected to the flexible reservoir (12) to obtain breathing gas. The invention is characterised in that the system comprises a member (20) for interrupting the power supply circuit (14) which interrupts the breathing gas supply of the diver when the pressure in the reservoir (12) is lower than a predetermined threshold.

Description

SYSTÈME DE PLONGÉE SOUS-MARINE SCUBA DIVING SYSTEM
L'invention concerne les systèmes de plongée sous-marine comportant un réservoir de gaz respirable qui reste à la surface de l'eau.The invention relates to scuba diving systems comprising a reservoir of breathable gas which remains on the surface of the water.
Dans ces systèmes, couramment appelés « narguilés », le plongeur est relié au réservoir par un circuit d'alimentation comprenant un tuyau qui est généralement relativement long pour permettre au plongeur d'évoluer dans une certaine zone autour et en dessous du réservoir. Contrairement aux systèmes de plongée dans lesquels le plongeur emmène le réservoir d'air avec lui sous l'eau, le plongeur qui utilise un système de narguilé n'emporte sous l'eau que le tuyau dont l'extrémité libre est munie d'un embout buccal ou d'un masque facial.In these systems, commonly called "hookahs", the plunger is connected to the tank by a supply circuit comprising a pipe which is generally relatively long to allow the plunger to move in a certain area around and below the tank. Unlike diving systems in which the diver takes the air tank with him underwater, the diver who uses a hookah system only carries underwater the hose whose free end is equipped with a mouthpiece or facial mask.
Il existe divers types de réservoirs pour les systèmes de narguilés. Certains sont rigides, d'autres sont souples. Parmi les avantages des réservoirs souples, on peut citer le fait que le réservoir est léger et qu'il peut être rendu très compact lorsque le système n'est pas utilisé. Cela facilite notamment le problème de transport du système jusqu'au site de pratique.There are various types of tanks for hookah systems. Some are rigid, others are flexible. Among the advantages of flexible tanks, one can cite the fact that the tank is light and that it can be made very compact when the system is not used. This notably facilitates the problem of transporting the system to the practice site.
Le principe d'un système de narguilé avec réservoir souple est par exemple décrit dans le document GB-2.164.259. Dans ce document, il est prévu qu'un opérateur, qui reste en surface, veille à ce que le réservoir soit toujours rempli d'air. Cela implique donc que le réservoir soit en permanence relié à une pompe (manuelle ou non) et que cette pompe soit actionnable en permanence. On peut donc en déduire que ce système de plongée est destiné à être utilisé depuis un bateau ou depuis une plateforme flottant à la surface de l'eau.The principle of a hookah system with flexible tank is for example described in the document GB-2.164.259. In this document, it is expected that an operator, who remains on the surface, ensures that the tank is always filled with air. This therefore implies that the reservoir is permanently connected to a pump (manual or not) and that this pump is permanently operable. We can therefore deduce that this diving system is intended to be used from a boat or from a platform floating on the surface of the water.
Un système similaire est décrit dans le document EP-A-437.948. Dans ce document, il est précisé que le réservoir souple est de préférence encerclé d'un anneau de matériau flottant.A similar system is described in document EP-A-437,948. In this document, it is specified that the flexible tank is preferably surrounded by a ring of floating material.
Dans tous les cas, il est effet souhaitable que le réservoir reste en flottaison à la surface même en fin de plongée, non seulement pour que le système de plongée ne coule pas, mais surtout pour former une bouée sur laquelle le plongeur pourra prendre appui en fin de plongée. Or, dans la mesure où le réservoir est souple, son volume va diminuer, surtout en fin de plongée si le plongeur aspire l'intégralité du gaz contenu dans le réservoirIn all cases, it is desirable that the tank remains floating on the surface even at the end of the dive, not only so that the diving system does not sink, but above all to form a buoy on which the diver can take support. end of dive. However, since the tank is flexible, its volume will decrease, especially at the end of the dive if the diver sucks all the gas contained in the tank
La solution du document GB-2.164.259 consistant à prévoir un second opérateur sur une plateforme en surface n'est pas satisfaisante dans la mesure où cela limite l'autonomie du plongeur qui ne peut pas plonger où il veut et qui est toujours obligé de se faire accompagner d'une personne qui elle ne peut pas plonger. La solution du document EP-A-437.948 n'est pas satisfaisante non plus dans la mesure ou l'anneau de matériau flottant peut se révéler encombrant lorsqu'on veut ranger le système de plongée après être revenu à terre.The solution of document GB-2.164.259 consisting in providing a second operator on a surface platform is not satisfactory insofar as it limits the autonomy of the diver who cannot dive where he wants and who is always obliged to be accompanied by a person who cannot dive. The solution of document EP-A-437,948 is not satisfactory either in so far as the ring of floating material can turn out to be cumbersome when it is desired to store the diving system after returning to shore.
L'invention a pour but de proposer un système de plongée qui soit à la fois de conception simple et pratique et qui permette de garantir par un dispositif peu encombrant que le réservoir reste flottant à la surface de l'eau, même en fin de plongée.The object of the invention is to propose a diving system which is both simple and practical in design and which makes it possible to guarantee by a space-saving device that the tank remains floating on the surface of the water, even at the end of the dive. .
Dans ce but, l'invention propose un système de plongée comportant un réservoir de gaz respirable souple destiné à flotter à la surface de l'eau et comportant un circuit d'alimentation par lequel un plongeur est relié au réservoir souple pour y puiser du gaz respirable, caractérisé en ce que le système comporte un organe de coupure du circuit d'alimentation qui coupe l'alimentation du plongeur en gaz respirable lorsque la pression dans le réservoir devient inférieure à un seuil de coupure prédéterminé.To this end, the invention provides a diving system comprising a flexible breathing gas tank intended to float on the surface of the water and comprising a supply circuit by which a plunger is connected to the flexible tank to draw gas therefrom. breathable, characterized in that the system comprises a cut-off member of the supply circuit which cuts off the supply of breathing gas to the plunger when the pressure in the tank falls below a predetermined cut-off threshold.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description qui suit ainsi qu'à la vue des dessins annexés dans lesquels : la figure 1 illustre de manière schématique un système de plongée conforme aux enseignements de l'invention ; la figure 2 est une vue schématique illustrant un exemple de réalisation d'un organe de coupure d'alimentation. On a illustré sur la figure 1 un système de plongée 10 comportant un réservoir de gaz respirable sous pression 12 et comportant un circuit d'alimentation 14 qui permet au plongeur sous l'eau de respirer le gaz contenu dans le réservoir 12. Selon l'invention, le réservoir est un réservoir souple et il est destiné à rester à la surface de l'eau. Le circuit d'alimentation 14 est très schématiquement représenté par un tuyau d'alimentation 16 qui est raccordé au réservoir et dont l'extrémité libre est munie d'un embout buccal 18 incorporant de préférence un détendeur par lequel le plongeur peut aspirer le gaz respirable contenu dans le réservoir 12. Le système de plongée 10 comporte aussi des moyens (non représentés) qui permettent de remplir le réservoir d'un mélange gazeux respirable tel que de l'air. Ces moyens peuvent être un simple dispositif de raccordement à un compresseur d'air. Il peut aussi s'agir de moyens destinés à être embarqués avec le réservoir. L'air sera par exemple stocké dans le réservoir 12 sous une pression maximale de 10 à 20 bars. Dans certains cas, notamment si la pression de stockage de l'air est élevée, on pourra prévoir un système de détendeur à deux étages.Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description which follows as well as on seeing the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a diving system in accordance with the teachings of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a supply cut-off member. Illustrated in FIG. 1 is a diving system 10 comprising a tank of pressurized breathable gas 12 and comprising a supply circuit 14 which allows the underwater diver to breathe the gas contained in the tank 12. According to the invention, the tank is a flexible tank and it is intended to remain on the surface of the water. The supply circuit 14 is very schematically represented by a supply pipe 16 which is connected to the reservoir and the free end of which is provided with a mouthpiece 18 preferably incorporating a regulator by which the plunger can suck in the breathable gas. contained in the tank 12. The diving system 10 also includes means (not shown) which make it possible to fill the tank with a breathable gas mixture such as air. These means can be a simple device for connection to an air compressor. It may also be means intended to be carried on board with the tank. The air will for example be stored in the tank 12 under a maximum pressure of 10 to 20 bars. In certain cases, in particular if the air storage pressure is high, provision may be made for a two-stage regulator system.
Le réservoir 12 est un réservoir souple en ce sens que certaines au moins des parois qui le délimitent sont susceptibles de se déformer en permettant de diminuer ou d'augmenter le volume tant interne qu'externe du réservoir. De préférence, le réservoir présentera toutefois un volume maximal inextensible, volume qui sera par exemple atteint dès une pression absolue de l'ordre de 1,2 à 1,5 bars. A partir de cette pression, le réservoir aura atteint un état « gonflé » et, au-delà, son volume n'augmentera plus de manière significative. Au contraire, le réservoir présentera de préférence un volume externe très faible une fois « dégonflé ».The reservoir 12 is a flexible reservoir in the sense that at least some of the walls which delimit it are liable to deform by allowing the volume, both internal and external of the reservoir, to be reduced or increased. Preferably, the reservoir will however have an inextensible maximum volume, which volume will for example be reached from an absolute pressure of the order of 1.2 to 1.5 bars. From this pressure, the tank will have reached an "inflated" state and, beyond, its volume will no longer increase significantly. On the contrary, the reservoir will preferably have a very small external volume once "deflated".
Dans l'exemple illustré, le réservoir est un réservoir entièrement souple constitué d'un sac en tissu imperméabilisé. Cette construction est à la fois simple et légère, et elle permet de rendre le réservoir extrêmement compact hors utilisation. En effet, le réservoir 12 peut être entièrement dégonflé et replié sur lui-même. Le matériau constituant pourra aussi être un matériau plastique souple et étanche (par exemple un polyuréthane) ou le réservoir pourra être construit avec un matériau multicoucb.es faisant intervenir une première couche d'un matériau assurant la résistance mécanique à la pression et au moins une couche interne étanche.In the example illustrated, the reservoir is a fully flexible reservoir made up of a waterproof fabric bag. This construction is both simple and light, and it makes the tank extremely compact when not in use. Indeed, the reservoir 12 can be fully deflated and folded back on itself. The constituent material may also be a flexible and waterproof plastic material (for example a polyurethane) or the reservoir may be constructed with a multi-layer material using a first layer of a material ensuring mechanical resistance to pressure and at least one waterproof inner layer.
Le réservoir pourra n'être que partiellement souple. Il pourrait ainsi comporter au moins une face rigide ou semi-rigide permettant de fixer des accessoires tels que des bretelles de portage ou des systèmes de raccordement à un dispositif de remplissage du réservoir, et même de fixer les moyens de raccordement du circuit d'alimentation 16. Le réservoir pourrait aussi présenter deux parois rigides opposées réunies l'une à l'autre par des parois souples de telle sorte que, en position d'utilisation, le réservoir soit sensiblement de forme parallélépipédique mais que, en position de rangement, il ne se présente plus que sous la forme d'un rectangle plat rigide de faible épaisseur. Les parois souples pourraient aussi être constituées d'éléments rigides articulés entre eux.The reservoir may be only partially flexible. It could thus include at least one rigid or semi-rigid face making it possible to attach accessories such as carrying straps or systems for connection to a device for filling the reservoir, and even to fix the connection means of the supply circuit 16. The reservoir could also have two opposite rigid walls joined to one another by flexible walls so that, in the position of use, the reservoir is substantially parallelepiped shape but that, in the storage position, it no longer takes the form of a rigid flat rectangle of small thickness. The flexible walls could also consist of rigid elements hinged together.
De même, dans l'exemple illustré, le réservoir 12 forme l'intégralité de la partie émergée du système de plongée. Mais on pourrait prévoir que le système comporte d'autres composants ou accessoires. A titre d'exemple, on peut prévoir que le système de plongée comporte un dispositif de remplissage du réservoir, par exemple une pompe motorisée ou une pompe à action humaine telle qu'une pompe manuelle. Cette pompe pourrait ainsi être intégrée dans un compartiment solidaire du réservoir. Dans ce cas, le réservoir pourra jouer le rôle de flotteur en apportant à ces accessoires une réserve de flottabilité pour maintenir l'ensemble à la surface de l'eau, sans que l'on ait à prévoir de dispositif de flottaison spécifique. Selon un autre exemple, le réservoir peut être associé à une structure rigide ou semi-rigide formant, en combinaison avec le réservoir, un flotteur hydrodynamique sur lequel le plongeur peut prendre appui pour nager à la surface de l'eau avec un minimum d'effort. On peut encore prévoir que le système de plongée comporte, en plus du réservoir souple conforme à l'invention, au moins un réservoir auxiliaire qui pourra être souple ou rigide.Similarly, in the example illustrated, the reservoir 12 forms the entire emerged part of the diving system. However, one could foresee that the system includes other components or accessories. By way of example, provision may be made for the diving system to include a device for filling the tank, for example a motorized pump or a human-action pump such as a manual pump. This pump could thus be integrated into a compartment integral with the tank. In this case, the tank can play the role of float by providing these accessories with a buoyancy reserve to keep the assembly on the surface of the water, without having to provide any specific flotation device. According to another example, the tank can be associated with a rigid or semi-rigid structure forming, in combination with the tank, a hydrodynamic float on which the diver can rest to swim on the surface of the water with a minimum of effort. It is also possible to provide that the diving system comprises, in addition to the flexible tank according to the invention, at least one auxiliary tank which may be flexible or rigid.
Dans tous les cas, on comprend l'intérêt qu'il y a à ce que le flotteur conserve toute sa capacité de flottaison, ou au moins une grande partie de celle-ci.In all cases, we understand the interest that there is in the float retaining all of its flotation capacity, or at least a large part of it.
Aussi, selon l'invention, le système de plongée 10 comporte un organe de coupure 20 du circuit d'alimentation 14 qui, en dessous d'un seuil prédéterminé de pression dans le réservoir 12, empêche le plongeur de puiser de l'air dans le réservoir. Le seuil prédéterminé de pression sera déterminé en fonction de la pression nécessaire pour maintenir le réservoir 12 dans un état « gonflé » dans lequel il conserve l'intégralité ou au moins une partie important de sa capacité de flottaison.Also, according to the invention, the diving system 10 comprises a cut-off member 20 of the supply circuit 14 which, below a predetermined pressure threshold in the tank 12, prevents the plunger from drawing air into The reservoir. The predetermined pressure threshold will be determined as a function of the pressure necessary to maintain the reservoir 12 in an "inflated" state in which it retains all or at least a significant part of its flotation capacity.
Ce seuil de coupure prédéterminé pourra par exemple être un seuil de pression absolue dans le réservoir. Il pourra ainsi être fixé à une valeur de pression absolue comprise entre 1.2 et 1.5 bar. Il pourra aussi être un seuil de pression relative dans le réservoir par rapport à la pression atmosphérique, l'organe de coupure imposant une pression dans le réservoir supérieure à la pression atmosphérique, par exemple de 50 à 200 millibar.This predetermined cut-off threshold could for example be an absolute pressure threshold in the tank. It can thus be set at an absolute pressure value between 1.2 and 1.5 bar. It may also be a relative pressure threshold in the tank with respect to atmospheric pressure, the cut-off device imposing a pressure in the tank greater than atmospheric pressure, for example from 50 to 200 millibar.
On a illustré sur la figure 2 un exemple d'un organe de coupure susceptible d'être utilisé pour la mise en œuvre de l'invention. L'organe de coupure 20 est ici un clapet taré réalisé sous la forme d'une vanne à pression différentielle à membrane, organe qui est connu en soit, et il est représenté en position de coupure de l'alimentation.Illustrated in Figure 2 is an example of a cutoff member capable of being used for the implementation of the invention. The cut-off member 20 is here a calibrated valve produced in the form of a differential pressure diaphragm valve, a member which is known per se, and it is shown in the cut-off position of the supply.
La vanne comporte ainsi un boîtier 22 qui est divisé de manière étanche par une membrane 24 en deux chambres : une chambre de circulation 26 et une chambre de commande 28. La chambre de commande 28 est ouverte à l'atmosphère de sorte que la pression qui y règne est la pression atmosphérique. La chambre de circulation 26 est divisée à son tour en deux compartiments : un compartiment amont 30 qui est relié à l'intérieur du réservoir 12, et un compartiment aval 32 sur lequel est branché le tuyau d'alimentation 16. Les deux compartiments 30, 32 communiquent au niveau d'un siège circulaire 34 aménagé en regard de la membrane 24. La membrane 24 porte un obturateur plan 36 qui est susceptible de venir se plaquer contre le siège 34 pour interrompre toute circulation de fluide entre les deux compartiments 30, 32. Enfin, un ressort de compression 38 est agencé dans la chambre de commande 28 pour précontraindre l'obturateur 36 en direction du siège 34.The valve thus comprises a housing 22 which is divided in leaktight manner by a membrane 24 into two chambers: a circulation chamber 26 and a control chamber 28. The control chamber 28 is open to the atmosphere so that the pressure which reigns there atmospheric pressure. The circulation chamber 26 is in turn divided into two compartments: an upstream compartment 30 which is connected to the interior of the reservoir 12, and a downstream compartment 32 to which the supply pipe 16 is connected. The two compartments 30, 32 communicate at the level of a circular seat 34 arranged opposite the membrane 24. The membrane 24 carries a plane shutter 36 which is capable of pressing against the seat 34 to interrupt any circulation of fluid between the two compartments 30, 32 Finally, a compression spring 38 is arranged in the control chamber 28 to prestress the shutter 36 in the direction of the seat 34.
Lorsque, de part et d'autre de l'obturateur 36, la force de la pression d'air dans le réservoir 12 est supérieure à la somme de la force de la pression atmosphérique et de la précontrainte du ressort 38, l'obturateur 36 est décollé du siège 34 et l'air peut circuler du réservoir 12 vers le tuyau d'alimentation 16, donc vers le plongeur. Au contraire dès que la force de pression d'air dans le réservoir 12 devient inférieure à ladite somme, l'obturateur 36 se trouve plaqué par le ressort 38 contre le siège 34, ce qui interrompt la circulation d'air comme cela est illustré à la figure 2. Le plongeur ne plus continuer à vider le réservoir ; la pression d'air à l'intérieur du réservoir ne peut donc pas descendre en dessous d'une valeur de seuil, si bien que le réservoir ne peut pas se dégonfler et conserve sa capacité de flottaison.When, on either side of the shutter 36, the force of the air pressure in the reservoir 12 is greater than the sum of the force of atmospheric pressure and the preload of the spring 38, the shutter 36 is detached from the seat 34 and the air can circulate from the reservoir 12 to the supply pipe 16, therefore towards the plunger. On the contrary, as soon as the air pressure force in the tank 12 becomes less than said sum, the shutter 36 is pressed by the spring 38 against the seat 34, which interrupts the circulation of air as illustrated in Figure 2. The diver will no longer continue to empty the tank; the air pressure inside the tank cannot therefore drop below a threshold value, so that the tank cannot deflate and retains its flotation capacity.
Bien entendu, le mode de réalisation de l'organe de coupure qui est ici proposé n'est qu'un exemple non limitatif. D'autres organes de coupures connus exerçant la même fonction pourraient être utilisés pour la mise en œuvre de l'invention. Of course, the embodiment of the switching device which is proposed here is only a nonlimiting example. Other known cut-off members exercising the same function could be used for the implementation of the invention.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Système de plongée comportant au moins un réservoir de gaz respirable souple (12) destiné à flotter à la surface de l'eau et comportant un circuit d'alimentation (14) par lequel un plongeur est relié au réservoir souple (12) pour y puiser du gaz respirable, caractérisé en ce que le système comporte un organe (20) de coupure du circuit d'alimentation (14) qui coupe l'alimentation du plongeur en gaz respirable lorsque la pression dans le réservoir (12) devient inférieure à un seuil de coupure prédéterminé.1. Diving system comprising at least one flexible breathing gas tank (12) intended to float on the surface of the water and comprising a supply circuit (14) by which a plunger is connected to the flexible tank (12) for draw breathable gas therein, characterized in that the system comprises a supply circuit cut-off member (20) which cuts the supply of breathing gas to the plunger when the pressure in the tank (12) becomes less than a predetermined cutoff threshold.
2. Système de plongée selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le seuil de coupure correspond à une différence de pression prédéterminée entre l'atmosphère et l'intérieur du réservoir (12).2. Diving system according to claim 1, characterized in that the cut-off threshold corresponds to a predetermined pressure difference between the atmosphere and the interior of the tank (12).
3. Système de plongée selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le seuil de coupure est prédéterminé de façon à maintenir le réservoir (12) dans un état gonflé.3. Diving system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cut-off threshold is predetermined so as to maintain the tank (12) in an inflated state.
4. Système de plongée selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'organe de coupure (20) est un clapet taré.4. Diving system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cut-off member (20) is a calibrated valve.
5. Système de plongée selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'organe de coupure (20) est interposé dans le circuit d'alimentation (14).5. Diving system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cut-off member (20) is interposed in the supply circuit (14).
6. Système de plongée selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le réservoir souple est accouplé à des accessoires du système auxquels le réservoir souple apporte une réserve de flottabilité.6. Diving system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flexible tank is coupled to system accessories to which the flexible tank provides a reserve of buoyancy.
7. Système de plongée selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que le système comporte un réservoir auxiliaire. 7. Diving system according to claim 6, characterized in that the system comprises an auxiliary tank.
PCT/FR2002/002470 2001-08-23 2002-07-12 Deep-sea diving system WO2003018399A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP02796287A EP1419087A1 (en) 2001-08-23 2002-07-12 Deep-sea diving system
US10/486,206 US20040234343A1 (en) 2001-08-23 2002-07-12 Deep-sea diving system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0111283A FR2828867B1 (en) 2001-08-23 2001-08-23 SCUBA DIVING SYSTEM
FR01/11283 2001-08-23

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003018399A1 true WO2003018399A1 (en) 2003-03-06

Family

ID=8866845

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/FR2002/002470 WO2003018399A1 (en) 2001-08-23 2002-07-12 Deep-sea diving system

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20040234343A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1419087A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2828867B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2003018399A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9789941B2 (en) * 2015-06-01 2017-10-17 Scott Andrew Smith Underwater breathing apparatus

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3788312A (en) * 1972-08-07 1974-01-29 Aga Ab Warning valve
EP0048894A1 (en) * 1980-09-17 1982-04-07 Peter Dr. Kröling Air supply for divers from the water surface
GB2164259A (en) 1984-09-07 1986-03-19 Andrew Goddard Shallow water breathing apparatus
EP0437948A1 (en) 1989-12-15 1991-07-24 Undersea Technology, Inc. Underwater breathing apparatus

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3467091A (en) * 1968-01-04 1969-09-16 Robert J Aragona Underwater breathing devices with valved air supply means
US3695048A (en) * 1970-02-06 1972-10-03 Royal H Dimick Buoyance regulating apparatus for underwater swimming
US4674493A (en) * 1986-06-23 1987-06-23 Mitchell Dan E Underwater breathing apparatus
US4832013A (en) * 1988-01-27 1989-05-23 Hartdorn Jeffrey L Portable underwater breathing apparatus
US5193530A (en) * 1989-12-15 1993-03-16 Undersea Technology, Inc. Underwater breathing apparatus
US5471976A (en) * 1993-06-09 1995-12-05 Smith; Raymond K. Mini diving system
AU2002320492A1 (en) * 2001-12-05 2003-06-23 Ralph T. Potkin Apparatus for preventing or minimizing decompression illness in a scuba diver

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3788312A (en) * 1972-08-07 1974-01-29 Aga Ab Warning valve
EP0048894A1 (en) * 1980-09-17 1982-04-07 Peter Dr. Kröling Air supply for divers from the water surface
GB2164259A (en) 1984-09-07 1986-03-19 Andrew Goddard Shallow water breathing apparatus
EP0437948A1 (en) 1989-12-15 1991-07-24 Undersea Technology, Inc. Underwater breathing apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1419087A1 (en) 2004-05-19
FR2828867B1 (en) 2003-12-05
FR2828867A1 (en) 2003-02-28
US20040234343A1 (en) 2004-11-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3140186B1 (en) Diving mask having a built-in snorkel
EP0242377B1 (en) Device for producing soft water from sea water by reverse osmosis
WO2007069100A1 (en) Life buoy, especially for avalanches
FR2981630A1 (en) INFLATABLE SHELL AND EQUIPMENT OF ADAPTED DRIVER TYPE
FR2489158A1 (en) FLOATING STRUCTURE TRANSFORMABLE IN PARTICULAR IN A SEAT
FR3093498A1 (en) Diving mask with pressure balancing means
EP1470041B1 (en) Transportable diving system
WO2003018399A1 (en) Deep-sea diving system
EP1189806A1 (en) Automatic underwater breathing membrane with integrated manual recharge
CH691053A5 (en) SCUBA equipment.
EP2222547B1 (en) Adjustable buoyancy device
FR2594786A1 (en) COMPRESSED AIR RESPIRATORY APPARATUS FOR UNDERWATER DIVE
EP3638513B1 (en) Free ink-type writing instrument comprising a microfluidic valve
FR2948093A1 (en) Balancing jacket for use by e.g. non-professional underwater diver for scuba diving, has dorsal element and abdominal elements independently provided with rear and front inflation chambers that are connected to breathable gas cylinder
FR2826334A1 (en) Detachable diving float has respirator pack to be worn on users back and float with interlocking seating for pack
WO1991002677A1 (en) Individual diving equipment
FR2822129A1 (en) Underwater respiratory device comprises reservoir and air charging pump and hollow structure which can be filled or emptied of gas to make it either floating or submersible
EP2792592A1 (en) Buoyancy compensating vest for underwater diving
EP1520780A1 (en) Ballast system for buoyancy compensator vest
FR2691410A1 (en) Air chamber for survival raft - has scaled internal dividing membrane and separate inflation systems to allow inflation after puncture of one side of chamber
EP2058223A1 (en) Enhancement of an inflatable belt for swimming
WO2016016411A1 (en) Inflatable bladder for a floatation garment, and corresponding floatation garment
WO2003097444A1 (en) Self-contained underwater breathing device with double gas stream circuit
FR2844205A1 (en) Breathing apparatus mouthpiece for diver or other user has housing with flow valve between inlet channel and respiration chamber
FR2862042A1 (en) Flotation unit for craft, has flexible and water-proof body provided with frame-work formed by series of peripheral rings, and cap that is integrated with upper part and opened to drive flotation unit towards top

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AU US

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AU

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE SK TR

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE SK TR

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2002796287

Country of ref document: EP

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 10486206

Country of ref document: US

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 2002796287

Country of ref document: EP

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Ref document number: 2002796287

Country of ref document: EP