underwater exploration vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an underwater exploration vehicle (1) comprising (i) a hull (10) delimiting an immersion chamber, (ii) a plurality of orifices (2) arranged on the hull (10), each orifice being in fluid communication with the environment external to the underwater exploration vehicle (1) and being fluidly coupled with the immersion chamber, (iii) two propulsion assemblies located on either side of the immersion chamber, (iv) a single electric battery electrically coupled to an electric motor of each propulsion assembly, (v) a control unit electrically connected to the electric battery and to each propulsion assembly, so as to control said electric battery and the propulsion assemblies. According to the invention, the orifices (2) are configured to prevent a flow of water into the immersion chamber when the underwater exploration vehicle (1) is moving on the surface of the water or in the water.Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: underwater exploration vehicle

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of underwater nautical vehicles, and more particularly underwater scooters making it possible to facilitate movement of a user in total or partial immersion. More particularly, the invention relates to such an underwater exploration vehicle.

[0002] In the state of the art, underwater exploration vehicles are known comprising a hull forming a surface against which a user can partially lie down at the level of the upper part of his body while holding onto control handles of said underwater exploration vehicle. Inside the hull, the known underwater exploration vehicles comprise at least one electric battery connected to an electric motor, an output shaft of which rotates a propeller used for their propulsion. In addition, the hull of the known underwater exploration vehicles delimits an immersion chamber connected to the outside by inlets and outlets in order to allow it to be filled with water. The immersion chamber thus acts as a ballast for the known underwater exploration vehicles, thus facilitating their immersion and their balancing in the water during their use.

[0003] In particular, document EP 2 945 854 B1 is known, which describes such an underwater exploration vehicle comprising a hull associated with a flow channel in a central position and in which extends a propulsion device of the underwater exploration vehicle - a motor rotating a propeller. The hull delimits the immersion chamber in communication with the environment outside the underwater exploration vehicle by means of inlet openings and outlet openings.

[0004] For the purpose of cooling electric batteries housed in the hull and allowing the propulsion device to operate, the inlet openings and the outlet openings are configured to allow the flow of water into the immersion chamber during operation of the underwater exploration vehicle. For this purpose, the inlet openings are located at the bow of the underwater exploration vehicle and oriented so as to face the water surrounding said underwater exploration vehicle during its use; while the outlet openings are located in the extension of the inlet openings, at the stern of the underwater exploration vehicle and oriented so as to allow the water circulating in the immersion chamber to exit behind said underwater exploration vehicle during its use.So, in other words, the inlet openings and the outlet openings are oriented and aligned along an axis. longitudinal of the underwater exploration vehicle so that, during its use, water can easily flow through the immersion chamber during the propulsion of said underwater exploration vehicle.

[0005] In the underwater exploration vehicle described in document EP 2 945 854 B1, the flow channel in which the propulsion propeller extends separates the immersion chamber into two zones adjacent to each other. Each adjacent zone of the immersion chamber is associated with an inlet opening - at the bow - and an outlet opening - at the stern - so that each electric battery is immersed in one of the adjacent zones to allow its proper cooling, due to the flow of water generated in the immersion chamber.

[0006] The disadvantage of this type of known underwater exploration vehicle lies in its maneuverability and stability in the water, which are made less efficient due to the flow of water in the immersion chamber. Indeed, the constant flow of water in the immersion chamber leads to greater inertia of the underwater exploration vehicle: the latter tends to remain in an orientation defined by its direction of propagation in the water - and of flow of the water in the immersion chamber - and makes any change of direction more difficult to achieve because the user must then fight against the inertia of his underwater exploration vehicle to modify its trajectory. In other words, the user of such a known underwater exploration vehicle must develop significant efforts to maneuver his underwater exploration vehicle, thus deteriorating the comfort of use.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to propose a new underwater exploration vehicle in order to address at least a large part of the preceding problems and to further lead to other advantages.

[0008] Another aim of the invention is to improve the comfort of use of such an underwater exploration vehicle and, more generally, to improve the performance of said underwater exploration vehicle.

[0009] Another aim of the invention is to optimize the operation of the batteries embedded in the hull of such an underwater exploration vehicle.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to prevent any circulation of water in the immersion chamber during use of the underwater exploration vehicle.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with an underwater exploration vehicle comprising:

[0012] - a hull delimiting an interior volume for the underwater exploration vehicle navy;

[0013] - a plurality of orifices arranged on the hull, each orifice being in common fluid communication with the environment outside the underwater exploration vehicle marine and being fluidically coupled with an immersion chamber housed in the hull;

[0014] - at least one propulsion assembly comprising an electric motor configured to generate a driving torque on a transmission shaft and a propeller rotatably coupled to the transmission shaft, the propulsion assembly being housed in the interior volume, a portion of the transmission shaft and the propeller being housed in a casing forming a flow channel which extends into the immersion chamber, the flow channel of the at least one propulsion assembly being in fluid communication with the environment external to the underwater exploration vehicle by means of an inlet opening and an outlet opening arranged on the hull;

[0015] - an electric battery electrically coupled to the electric motor of each less a propulsion unit, the electric battery being housed in the interior volume of the hull;

[0016] - a control unit electrically connected to the electric battery and to each at least one propulsion assembly, so as to control said electric battery and said at least one propulsion assembly.

[0017] According to the invention, the orifices are configured to prevent water flow into the immersion chamber when the underwater exploration vehicle is moving on the surface of the water or in the water.

[0018] In the context of the present invention, a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis and a vertical axis are defined relative to the underwater exploration vehicle according to the first aspect of the invention. More particularly, the transverse axis is understood as a direction taken between a lateral side of the underwater exploration vehicle and an opposite lateral side of said underwater exploration vehicle. In other words, the transverse axis is understood as a direction which extends from a first lateral face of the hull towards a second lateral face of the hull. The adjectives lateral, inboard and outboard refer to such a transverse axis. Furthermore, the longitudinal axis extends as being taken along a direction which extends from front to back or from back to front of the underwater exploration vehicle. The longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the transverse axis.The longitudinal axis corresponds to a propulsion axis of the underwater exploration vehicle when it is in operation and under the effect of at least one propulsion assembly. The adjectives frontal, front and rear refer to this longitudinal axis. Finally, the vertical axis is understood to be taken along an axis which extends from a lower face to an upper face of the hull of the underwater exploration vehicle, the vertical axis being simultaneously perpendicular to the transverse axis and to the longitudinal axis. The adjectives above and below, or lower and upper refer to this vertical axis.

[0019] In the context of the present invention, the underwater exploration vehicle is of the type of a nautical craft capable of moving on water or underwater. The underwater exploration vehicle may be piloted by a user intended to be lying on the upper face of the hull, or the underwater exploration vehicle is of the type of an autonomous craft piloted entirely by the control unit. By way of non-limiting example, the underwater exploration vehicle is preferably of the type of a diving scooter.

[0020] In the context of the present invention, the hull delimits an outer skin of the underwater exploration vehicle. The hull is formed from a material comprising plastic and / or a composite material comprising a carbon filler in order to increase its rigidity and lightness. Advantageously, the hull is formed from several parts which are assembled with respect to each other so as to together form the interior volume of the underwater exploration vehicle. Of course, the electrical or electronic components forming the underwater exploration vehicle are housed in the interior volume, the hull forming an outer body for said underwater exploration vehicle. Typically, the hull forms a skin a few millimeters thick.

[0021] In the context of the present invention, the orifices form openings arranged on the hull, so as to allow - depending on the situations prior to the use of the underwater exploration vehicle, such as for example when launching or leaving the underwater exploration vehicle - an air inlet and / or an air outlet and / or a water inlet and / or a water outlet. However, in a manner exclusive to the invention, and during the situations of use of the underwater exploration vehicle, that is to say during the propulsion of the underwater exploration vehicle and its advancement underwater or out of the water, the orifices are configured so that water does not penetrate through, once the immersion chamber is filled after launching the underwater exploration vehicle. Generally speaking, the orifices form exchange interfaces between the immersion chamber and the environment outside the underwater exploration vehicle.In the context of the present invention, due to the many situations of use of the underwater exploration vehicle that exist, all the orifices are multidirectional orifices, which can successively serve as water inlet or outlet. In other words, in the context of the present invention, the orifices are not unidirectional.

[0022] In the context of the present invention, each propulsion assembly is a turbine device for accelerating the water in the associated flow channel and generating a water current in said flow channel, so as to propel the underwater exploration vehicle. The flow channel of each propulsion assembly is delimited by the casing which extends mainly along the Ion- axis horizontal of the underwater exploration vehicle.

[0023] In the context of the present invention, the electric battery is an energy accumulator making it possible to guarantee a certain energy autonomy for the underwater exploration vehicle. The electric battery makes it possible to supply electrical energy to all the electrical components of the underwater exploration vehicle. The electric battery is preferably of the type comprising at least one lithium cell, or even lithium-ion. Of course, the electric battery is housed in a waterproof case.

[0024] In the context of the present invention, the control unit comprises a microcontroller and / or a printed circuit and / or a microprocessor. Additionally, the control unit also possibly comprises a memory. Of course, the control unit is housed in a waterproof case.

[0025] Thus, the invention solves the technical problem in that the orifices do not allow water from the environment outside the underwater exploration vehicle to enter the immersion chamber when said underwater exploration vehicle is moving on the surface of the water or under the surface of the water. More particularly, once the immersion chamber has been filled with water when launching the underwater exploration vehicle - to ensure both its buoyancy and its balancing in the water - the position and / or orientation and / or relative arrangement of the orifices on the underwater exploration vehicle and / or their configuration does not allow water to enter the immersion chamber.Therefore, the water initially housed in the immersion chamber when launching the underwater exploration vehicle remains in said immersion chamber, and a current in the immersion chamber is therefore zero during use and movement of the underwater exploration vehicle according to the invention.

[0026] Consequently, keeping the water still in the immersion chamber during use of the underwater exploration vehicle - by preventing water from entering or leaving said immersion chamber during the movement of said underwater exploration vehicle - makes it possible to improve the comfort of use of the underwater exploration vehicle. Indeed, it is thus possible to keep the mass of water trapped in the immersion chamber during the launching of the underwater exploration vehicle. Then, this mass of water remains still and reduces the effects of internal friction or inertia such as those known in the underwater exploration vehicles of the prior art, and in particular that described in EP 2 945 854 Bl.In fact, the water now kept still in the immersion chamber provides the expected mass balance to then allow the user to easily navigate on the surface or dive underwater without exerting too much effort on the EP 2 945 854 underwater exploration vehicle.

[0027] In a particularly clever manner, this functionality is achieved without having to use valves or moving elements to obstruct or open the orifices, but only through a particularly clever design and a particularly clever positioning, and / or orientation and / or dimensioning of the orifices on the underwater exploration vehicle according to the invention, furthermore, during the phases of launching or leaving the water - and only during these, the orifices will successively and respectively allow the exit of air or the entry of water, and the exit of water and the entry of air.

[0028] Additionally, the underwater exploration vehicle according to the invention has increased performance and comfort of use because the absence of flow in the immersion chamber during the movement of the underwater exploration vehicle makes it possible to reduce drag effects known in the prior art and in EP 2 945 854 Bl. The maneuverability of the underwater exploration vehicle according to the invention is greatly improved.

[0029] The underwater exploration vehicle according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0030] - all the orifices are located outside a front part and a rear part of the underwater exploration vehicle. In other words, none of the orifices are located on a front face of the hull of the underwater exploration vehicle, and no orifice is located on a rear face of said underwater exploration vehicle. In the context of the present invention, the front part consists of the bow of the underwater exploration vehicle. The front face of the hull is located on the bow. In particular, in the context of the present invention, the front part is the area of ​​the hull of the underwater exploration vehicle located strictly in front of the electric battery, relative to the longitudinal axis. Similarly, in the context of the present invention, the rear part consists of the stern of the underwater exploration vehicle. The rear face of the hull is located on the stern.In particular in the context of the present invention, the rear part is the area of ​​the underwater exploration vehicle hull located strictly behind the propeller, relative to the longitudinal axis. This advantageous configuration makes it possible, on the one hand, to prevent water from the external environment from entering the orifices due to the hydraulic pressure exerted by the underwater exploration vehicle during its movement, and on the other hand to prevent water from being sucked towards a rear area of ​​the underwater exploration vehicle during its movement. Thus, the absence of an orifice in the front part and the rear part of the underwater exploration vehicle makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of a flow in the immersion chamber; .

[0031] - none of the orifices has a perpendicular or sen opening surface possibly perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle corresponding to a direction of movement in the water. In the context of the present invention, the opening surface is a mean plane delimited by peripheral contours of the corresponding orifice. In other words, all the orifices have such an opening surface which is parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle. More particularly, all the orifices have such an opening surface which extends along a plane inclined between -45° and +45° relative to the longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle, preferably between -10° and +10°. This advantageous configuration makes it possible not to expose the orifices to a direct incident current and having a flow direction which facilitates and allows its entry into the orifices and towards the immersion chamber.Conversely, the orifices are oriented according to the direction of the flow of water around the underwater exploration vehicle, so that the orientation of the flow is tangential or substantially tangential to the orifices, thus making insertion into said orifices impossible;

[0032] - the orifices comprise first orifices located on a lower face of the hull of the underwater exploration vehicle. The first orifices form through openings in the underside of the hull, which open directly into the immersion chamber of the underwater exploration vehicle. The first orifices allow fluid communication between the external environment and the immersion chamber. More particularly, the first orifices are configured to allow filling of the immersion chamber when the underwater exploration vehicle is launched, and only during this step;

[0033] - an axis perpendicular to the opening surface of the first orifices is oriented or substantially oriented along the vertical axis of the underwater exploration vehicle. In other words, the first orifices are oriented or substantially oriented in the direction of the vertical axis, so as to extend tangentially to a flow of water during the movement of the underwater exploration vehicle, relative to the longitudinal axis. By substantially oriented, it is understood that an angle between the axis perpendicular to the opening surface of the first orifices and the vertical axis of the underwater exploration vehicle is between -45° and +45°, preferably between -10° and +10°;

[0034] - advantageously, the first orifices comprise at least one light oblong which extends along the longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle. In other words, each at least one oblong light forming the first orifices extends in an elongated manner - preferably in a rectangular manner - relative to the longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle. This confi configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows for a constant and parallel or substantially parallel orientation to the flow of water along the lower face of the hull on which the first orifices are formed. As a result, this advantageous configuration makes it possible not to generate a flow in the immersion chamber because, due to their orientation along the longitudinal axis, the oblong lights do not introduce a pressure variation between a front part of the immersion chamber and a rear part of the immersion chamber. Conversely, the exposure to the pressure of the water around the underwater exploration vehicle during movement is constant at the oblong lights;

[0035] - preferably, the first orifices comprise a plurality of lights oblong which all extend along the longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle and parallel to each other, the oblong lights being located adjacent to each other relative to a transverse axis of said underwater exploration vehicle. The oblong lights are regularly distributed relative to each other, relative to the transverse axis of the underwater exploration vehicle;

[0036] - more particularly, the oblong lights extend behind a front edge of the battery and in front of the propeller of the at least one propulsion assembly, relative to the longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle;

[0037] - the underside of the hull has ribs which all extend outwards from the underside of the hull and along the longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle, said ribs all being parallel to each other. The ribs make it possible to stiffen the hull at its underside and to provide a contact interface with the ground when the underwater exploration vehicle is placed on the ground, thus avoiding scratching or damaging the entire lower surface of the hull. The ribs extend between two adjacent oblong slots. In particular, the ribs and the oblong slots are alternately distributed relative to each other, relative to the transverse axis of the underwater exploration vehicle;

[0038] - the orifices comprise second orifices located on an upper face of the hull of the underwater exploration vehicle. The second ports form through openings in the upper face of the hull, which open into the immersion chamber of the underwater exploration vehicle. The second ports allow fluid communication between the external environment and the immersion chamber. More particularly, the second ports are configured to allow the air contained in the immersion chamber before launching the underwater exploration vehicle to be expelled from said immersion chamber when it is filled during launching of the underwater exploration vehicle, and only during this step. Thus the second orifices collaborate with the first orifices to facilitate the filling of the immersion chamber with water when launching the underwater exploration vehicle by simultaneously allowing the entry of water through the first orifices, an exit of air through the second orifices;

[0039] - an axis perpendicular to the opening surface of the second orifices is oriented or substantially oriented along the vertical axis of the underwater exploration vehicle. In other words, the second orifices are oriented or substantially oriented in the direction of the vertical axis, so as to extend tangentially to a flow of water during the movement of the underwater exploration vehicle, relative to the longitudinal axis. By substantially oriented, it is understood that an angle between the axis perpendicular to the opening surface of the second orifices and the vertical axis of the underwater exploration vehicle is between -45° and +45°, preferably between -10° and +10°;

[0040] - advantageously, the second orifices comprise at least one slot which extends along the transverse axis of the underwater exploration vehicle. In other words, each at least one slot forming the second orifices extends in an elongated manner - preferably in a rectangular or oblong manner - relative to the transverse axis of the underwater exploration vehicle. Preferably, the second orifices comprise a plurality of slots which all extend along the transverse axis of the underwater exploration vehicle and parallel to each other, the slots being located adjacent to each other, relative to a longitudinal axis of said underwater exploration vehicle. The slots are regularly distributed relative to each other, relative to the longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle;

[0041] - the second orifices are advantageously located directly above the first orifices. In particular, the slots forming the second orifices extend directly above the oblong slots forming the first orifices. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to facilitate the immersion of the underwater exploration vehicle by facilitating the expulsion of the air present in the immersion chamber when water rushes into it through the first orifices during the launching of the underwater exploration vehicle;

[0042] - the slots forming the second orifices extend at a region of the upper face of the hull located between the battery and the control unit, relative to the longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle;

[0043] - the upper part of the hull comprises at least one cap, each at least a cap being associated with the at least one slot forming the second orifices, each cap overhanging the slot with which it is associated. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to prevent water from entering the immersion chamber when the underwater exploration vehicle is navigating on the surface, and it also makes it possible to act as a deflector for the water, when the underwater exploration vehicle moves underwater, inducing a divergent current with respect to the second orifices;

[0044] - each at least one cap extends from a front lip delimiting the slot to with which said cap is associated, and in line with said slot. In other words, each cap extends from front to back from the upper part of the shell, so as to overhang the slot with which it is associated relative to the vertical axis;

[0045] - the orifices comprise third orifices located on lateral faces of thehull of the underwater exploration vehicle. In particular, the third orifices are located on each side face of the hull of the underwater exploration vehicle. The third orifices form through openings of each side face of the hull on which they are formed, and which open into the immersion chamber of the underwater exploration vehicle. The third orifices allow fluid communication between the external environment and the immersion chamber. More particularly, the third orifices are configured to allow filling of the immersion chamber when the underwater exploration vehicle is launched into the water, and only during this step.Thus, the third orifices collaborate with the first orifices to facilitate the filling of the immersion chamber with water when launching the underwater exploration vehicle by accelerating the filling of the immersion chamber and by allowing such filling to be more balanced between a front zone of the immersion chamber and a rear zone of said immersion chamber, relative to the longitudinal axis;

[0046] - an axis perpendicular to the opening surface of the third orifices is oriented or substantially oriented along the transverse axis of the underwater exploration vehicle. In other words, the third orifices are oriented or substantially oriented in the direction of the transverse axis, so as to extend tangentially to a flow of water during the movement of the underwater exploration vehicle, relative to the longitudinal axis. By substantially oriented, it is understood that an angle between the axis perpendicular to the opening surface of the third orifices and the transverse axis of the underwater exploration vehicle is between -45° and +45°, preferably between -10° and +10°;

[0047] - the underwater exploration vehicle has control handles located on either side of the lateral faces of the hull, the third orifices being located at the level of said control handles relative to the longitudinal axis. More particularly, the underwater exploration vehicle comprises, at the level of a part of each lateral face located opposite the electric battery, a depression forming a concave surface, each control handle extending opposite and at a distance from the corresponding depression, the third orifices being formed on each concavity, at the level of or behind the control handles, re- relative to the longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle.

[0048] - relative to the vertical axis, the third orifices are aligned or substantially aligned with the second holes. In other words, the third holes are located near the upper face of the hull;

[0049] - the third orifices comprise at least one hole which extends along the vertical axis and / or longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle. In other words, each at least one hole forming the third orifices extends in an elongated manner - preferably in a rectangular or oblong manner - relative to the vertical and / or longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle. Preferably, the third orifices comprise a plurality of holes which all extend along the vertical axis of the underwater exploration vehicle and parallel to each other, the holes being located adjacent to each other, relative to a vertical axis of said underwater exploration vehicle. The holes are regularly distributed relative to each other, relative to the longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle. The holes forming the third orifices extend opposite the electric battery of the underwater exploration vehicle.

[0050] - each side face of the hull on which the third orifices are arranged comprises at least one deflector associated with each third orifice, the at least one deflector being configured to prevent a flow of water into said third orifice and, conversely, generate a flow tangential to said third orifice. In particular, each lateral face of the shell on which the third orifices are arranged comprises deflectors which extend projecting from said lateral face, each deflector being associated with one of the holes forming the third orifices, the deflectors being configured to prevent a flow of water into the holes forming said third orifices and, conversely, generate a flow tangential to said holes.This advantageous configuration makes it possible to prevent water from entering the immersion chamber when the underwater exploration vehicle is traveling on the surface, and it also makes it possible to act as a deflector for the water, when the underwater exploration vehicle is moving underwater, inducing a divergent current with respect to the third ports; .

[0051] - each deflector extends from the side face on which the holes forming the third orifice is formed, and from a front sidewalk delimiting the hole associated with the deflector, each deflector overhanging the corresponding hole relative to the transverse axis. In other words, each deflector extends from front to rear from the side face of the hull, so as to overhang the hole with which it is associated, relative to the transverse axis;

[0052] - the control unit, the electric battery and the electric motor of each at least a propulsion assembly are housed in the immersion chamber. This confi- advantageous configuration allows better regulation of the internal temperature of the underwater exploration vehicle as well as those of its electrical and electronic components. In particular, the use of a lithium-type electric battery requires the absence of flow in the immersion chamber during the operation of the underwater exploration vehicle, i.e. during its movement in or on the water. Indeed, it is shown that a lithium-type electric battery must, to operate optimally, be brought to several tens of degrees. Also, the production of a flow that would permanently cool the electric battery is not desired or implemented here. On the contrary, as mentioned previously, the absence of flow in the immersion chamber makes it possible to obtain an optimal temperature range during the operation of the underwater exploration vehicle

[0053] - according to a particularly advantageous configuration, the exploration vehicle underwater exploration vehicle comprises a single electric battery and two propulsion assemblies, the electric motor of each propulsion assembly being electrically coupled to each electric battery. Relative to a transverse axis of the underwater exploration vehicle, the electric battery is located in a central position in the immersion chamber, while the propulsion assemblies are located on either side of the electric battery, in said immersion chamber. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to better balance the underwater exploration vehicle by reducing its sensitivity to rolling. Indeed, the electric battery being a particularly massive component, placing it at the central longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle and placing the propulsion assemblies - less massive - on the lateral sides of said underwater exploration vehicle makes it more stable and more maneuverable;

[0054] - relative to a longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle, the electric battery is located on the side of a front part of the underwater exploration vehicle, and the propulsion assemblies are located on the side of a rear part of said underwater exploration vehicle. This configuration is particularly interesting for balancing the underwater exploration vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis, in order to easily allow said underwater exploration vehicle to be pitched upwards in order to raise it or keep it flat for a given movement, on the surface or underwater, and finally to dive said underwater exploration vehicle. This configuration makes it possible to compensate the weight of the electric battery - located at the front - by that of the control unit - located in the middle position - and the propulsion assemblies located at the rear;

[0055] - the control unit is located in a central position in the immersion chamber, re relative to the transverse axis, and behind the electric battery relative to the axis longitudinal.

[0056] - according to a particularly original design of the invention, relative to the axis longitudinal, at the level of the propulsion assemblies, the immersion chamber is exclusively located between the two propulsion assemblies. In other words, at the level of the propulsion assemblies, relative to the transverse axis, the immersion chamber is delimited by the casing delimiting the flow channel of each propulsion assembly. In the context of the invention, the volumes located between the flow channels and the hull are non-existent: either because the hull is pressed against the corresponding flow channels, or because a foam is placed between the flow channel and the hull located opposite, so that all of these volumes are occupied by the foam. The foam is preferably of the waterproof foam type. Preferably again, the foam is painted in order to reinforce this impermeability.Preferably again, the foam is bonded to the hull and to the casing delimiting the corresponding flow channel by means of an adhesive joint or a sealing joint which separates and isolates each volume occupied by the foam from the immersion chamber.

[0057] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, integrating according to all of their possible combinations the different optional characteristics set out here.

[0058] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several exemplary embodiments given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the attached schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0059] [Fig.l] illustrates a perspective and front view of an underwater exploration vehicle according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0060] [Fig.2] illustrates a perspective and rear view of the underwater exploration vehicle marine illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0061] [Fig.3] illustrates a top view of the underwater exploration vehicle illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0062] [Fig.4] illustrates a bottom view of the underwater exploration vehicle illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0063] [Fig.5] illustrates a longitudinal and side sectional view of the exploration vehicle submarine illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0064] [Fig.6] illustrates a longitudinal sectional and top view of the exploration vehicle submarine illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0065] [Fig.7] illustrates a sectional and detailed view of a propulsion assembly of the underwater exploration vehicle illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0066] Of course, the characteristics, variants and different forms of rea The invention may be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0067] In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described can be combined with each other if nothing prevents this combination from a technical point of view.

[0068] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0069] In the FIGURES described below, a longitudinal axis X, a lateral axis and a vertical axis Z are defined relative to the underwater exploration vehicle 1 according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0070] More particularly, the transverse axis Y is understood as a direction taken between a lateral side of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 and an opposite lateral side of said underwater exploration vehicle 1. In other words, the transverse axis Y is understood in a direction which extends from a first lateral face 102 of the hull 10 towards a second lateral face 102 of the hull 10. The adjectives lateral, interior and exterior refer to such a transverse axis Y.

[0071] Furthermore, the longitudinal axis X extends as taken along a direction that extends from front to rear or from back to front of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. The longitudinal axis X is perpendicular to the transverse axis Y. The longitudinal axis X corresponds to a propulsion axis of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 when it is in operation and under the effect of the at least one propulsion assembly 7. The adjectives frontal, front and rear refer to this longitudinal axis X.

[0072] Finally, the vertical axis Z is understood as being taken along an axis which extends from a lower face 108 towards an upper face 101 of the hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, the vertical axis Z being simultaneously perpendicular to the transverse axis Y and to the longitudinal axis X. The adjectives above and below, or lower and upper refer to this vertical axis Z.

[0073] With reference to FIGURES 1 to 6, the invention primarily relates to an underwater exploration vehicle 1 comprising:

[0074] - a hull 10 delimiting an interior volume for the underwater exploration vehicle marine 1;

[0075] - a plurality of orifices 2 arranged on the shell 10, each orifice being in common fluidic connection with the environment external to the underwater exploration vehicle 1 and being fluidically coupled with an immersion chamber 4 housed in the hull 10;

[0076] - two propulsion units 7 housed in the interior volume and located on either side other of the hull 10 relative to the longitudinal axis X, each propulsion assembly 7 comprising an electric motor 70 configured to generate a driving torque on a transmission shaft 72 and a propeller 73 coupled in rotation to the transmission shaft 72, a portion of the transmission shaft 72 and the propeller 73 being housed in a casing 71 forming a flow channel 3 which extends into the immersion chamber 4, the flow channel of the at least one propulsion assembly 7 being in fluid communication with the environment external to the underwater exploration vehicle 1 by means of an inlet opening 16 and an outlet opening 17 arranged on the hull 10;

[0077] - an electric battery 5 electrically coupled to the electric motor 70 of each at least one propulsion assembly 7, the electric battery 5 being housed in the interior volume of the hull 10;

[0078] - a control unit 6 electrically connected to the electric battery 5 and to each at least one propulsion assembly 7, so as to control said electric battery 5 and said at least one propulsion assembly 7;

[0079] - a control screen 18 electrically connected to the control unit 6 and configured to display functional parameters of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, said control screen 18 being housed at a concavity 105 of an upper face 101 of the hull 10;

[0080] - control handles 13 located on either side of lateral faces 102 of the hull 10, the control handles 13 allowing the underwater exploration vehicle to be controlled and maneuvered.

[0081] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 to 6, the underwater exploration vehicle is of the diving scooter type. Thus, the underwater exploration vehicle is configured to be able to move on the surface of the water but also underwater. On such an underwater exploration vehicle, the user is intended to lie on his stomach on the upper face 101 of the underwater exploration vehicle, so as to have his head facing the control screen 18 and so as to be able to grasp the control handles 13 located on either side of the screen, at the level of the lateral faces 102 of the underwater exploration vehicle, this position is particularly comfortable for using and controlling the underwater exploration vehicle according to the invention.

[0082] The hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle forms an outer skin of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. Advantageously, the hull 10 is formed of several parts which are assembled with respect to each other so as to form together the interior volume of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. the dif different parts of the hull 10 are linked together and / or to an internal frame making it possible in particular to stiffen the underwater exploration vehicle 1.

[0083] The hull 10 delimits a profile for the underwater exploration vehicle 1 which is particularly well suited to its use on and in the water. In particular, the hull 10 delimits, at a front face 106 and a bow 12 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, a portion of smaller dimensions, both along the transverse axis Y and along the vertical axis Z. This configuration thus makes it possible to ensure better penetration of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 in the water, and thus to improve its performance as well as the user experience.

[0084] As visible in FIGURES 1, 3 and 4, the underwater exploration vehicle 1 has a wider section, relative to the transverse axis Y, located directly behind the bow 12. This configuration makes it possible both to have a wider upper face 101 for greater user comfort, but also to define an interior volume large enough to be able to house all the electronic elements necessary for the operation of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.

[0085] As visible in [Fig.l] in particular, this widening of the transverse profile of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is accompanied by the creation of passages 130 located on either side of the lateral faces 102 of said underwater exploration vehicle 1, at the level of the control handles 13. These passages 130 allow the water to circulate between the arms of the user which are positioned on either side of a central body 100 of the diving vehicle.

[0086] As visible in [Fig.5], this part located directly behind the bow 12 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is also the one which has the greatest elevation, relative to the vertical axis Z. This conformation makes it possible to house bulky electronic components, such as in particular the electric battery 5, but also to place the control screen 18 in good optical alignment with respect to the user of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. Thus, the upper face 101 of the hull 10 has an upwardly inclined section which extends from the front face 106 - and the bow 12 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 - to a cap 103 overhanging the control screen 18.

[0087] The cap 103 thus makes it possible to form a visor which prevents both the sun's rays from directly striking the control screen 18 when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is used on the surface of the water, but also to form a protective bubble when said underwater exploration vehicle 1 is used underwater, so that the water flowing all around the underwater exploration vehicle 1 slides back and away from the control screen 18.

[0088] The cap 103 and the control screen 18 are associated with a particular shape of the upper face 101 of the hull 10, forming a concavity 105 which makes it possible to protect the screen and to form a “vision corridor” for the user of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. The concavity 105 thus makes it possible to protect the control screen 18 and the user from the sun's rays - and the reflections created on the control screen 18 - as well as to limit the projections of water onto the screen or directly behind it when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is used on the surface of the water. Additionally, when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is used underwater, the concavity 105 makes it possible to reduce the flow of water behind the control screen 18 and improves its visibility by the user of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. Such a concavity 105 is delimited by lateral sidewalks 104 which extend on either side of a floor 1051 which itself extends behind the control screen 18.The sidewalks 104 extend behind the control screen 18 and the cap 103, and overhang the floor 1051.

[0089] Beyond the control screen 18, the lateral dimensions of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 decrease again in order to reduce its size and to optimize the flow around the underwater exploration vehicle 1, with the aim of optimizing its hydrodynamic coefficient. Relative to the vertical axis Z, the rear part of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is of lesser thickness, in particular at the level of its propulsion assemblies 7. Thus, at the level of a rear face 107 of the hull 10 - forming the stern 11 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 - the interior volume delimited by the hull 10 is minimal, said hull 10 having a minimal height, relative to the vertical axis Z.

[0090] As mentioned previously, the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is manipulated by control handles 13s located on either side of the central body 100 of said underwater exploration vehicle 1, and at a depression in the corresponding lateral face 102 of the hull 10, said depression forming a concave surface, relative to the transverse axis Y. These depressions make it possible to improve the handling of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, and they also make it possible to define passages 130 on either side of the central body 100 for better flow of water around the underwater exploration vehicle 1. Thus, each control handle 13 extends opposite and at a distance from the corresponding depression, opposite the lateral face 102 of the hull 10.

[0091] The control handles 13 carry control buttons 133 which enable the underwater exploration vehicle 1 to be driven, that is to say in particular to control the on-board propulsion units 7.

[0092] In a particularly clever manner, the underwater exploration vehicle 1 according to the invention comprises two propulsion assemblies 7 located on either side of the median longitudinal axis X. In other words, the propulsion assemblies 7 are located near the lateral faces 102 of the hull 10. Relative to the longitudinal axis X, the propulsion assemblies 7 are located behind the electric battery 5, at a rear part of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.

[0093] The propulsion assemblies 7 make it possible to generate a flow of water in the respective flow channels. This flow of water is sucked into the corresponding flow channel 3 via an inlet opening 16 located on the lower face 108 of the hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, and at a rear part of said underwater exploration vehicle 1, as visible in [Fig.4]. The inlet openings 16 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 are not located on, at or near the front face 106 of the hull 10. Conversely, the inlet openings 16 are located under the underwater exploration vehicle 1, at the lower face 108 of the hull 10.

[0094] In order to facilitate the insertion of water into the inlet openings 16s, the lower face 108 of the hull 10 has a concave region, relative to the vertical axis Z, at the level of said inlet openings 16. This advantageous configuration makes it easier for the water flowing at the level of the lower face 108 when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is moving in or under water to better penetrate into the corresponding flow channel 3.

[0095] However, the main reason why water infiltrates into the inlet opening 16 is related to the depression produced in the flow channel 3 at the inlet opening 16 and due to the rotation of the propeller 73 driven by the transmission shaft 72 and the electric motor 70 of the corresponding propulsion assembly 7. Thus, despite the slight inclination of the inlet opening 16 relative to the lower face 108 of the hull 10 and the flow of water along said lower face 108, which is not conducive to such insertion, it is indeed the operation of the corresponding propulsion assembly 7 which generates a depression and a current which sucks the water into the flow channel 3.

[0096] The propulsion assemblies 7 are cleverly placed at the lateral edges of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 so that the outlet openings 17 of the corresponding flow channels are located close to the lateral faces 102 of the hull 10, at the stern 11. Indeed, this advantageous configuration makes it possible to prevent the flow of water generated by each propulsion assembly 7 from being propelled directly onto the user's body, which is particularly uncomfortable during prolonged use of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. Conversely, the configuration proposed here makes it possible to generate such a flow of water on either side of the user, which improves both performance and comfort of use.

[0097] In a particularly advantageous manner, the electric battery 5 of the vehicle underwater exploration vehicle 1 is placed in the forward position and in the central position, relative to the longitudinal axis X. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to optimize the balancing of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 and to improve its maneuverability, in particular in terms of rotational movements of the rolling or yaw type. Indeed, the electric battery 5 being one of the heaviest electrical components, it is clever and preferable to place it along the longitudinal axis X. In addition, the more forward position of the electric battery 5 is compensated by a more rearward position of the control unit 6 and the propulsion assemblies 7. These particularly advantageous arrangements make it possible to perfectly balance the underwater exploration vehicle 1 according to the invention, relative to the longitudinal axis X and relative to the transverse axis Y.

[0098] As mentioned previously, and as can be seen more particularly in FIGURES 5 and 6, the interior volume of the hull 10 delimits the immersion chamber 4. The immersion chamber 4 is a ballast chamber which allows the underwater exploration vehicle 1 to be filled when it is launched in order to achieve a balancing essential for its proper use in and on the water, in order to compensate for the forces of Archimedes' thrust on the hull 10.

[0099] In the underwater exploration vehicle 1 according to the invention, the immersion chamber 4 here forms a single volume in the interior volume, without sub-volumes. In other words, the immersion chamber 4 is simply delimited by the hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 and by certain foams 9 placed between the hull 10 and certain electronic components. More particularly still, at the propulsion assemblies 7 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 according to the invention, the immersion chamber 4 is located exclusively between the flow channels. In other words, at a longitudinal position located between the two propulsion assemblies 7, and in particular between the propeller 73 and the outlet opening 17, the immersion chamber 4 is exclusively located between and delimited by the casings of the two propulsion assemblies 7.In other words, the immersion chamber 4 is not located between the casing 71 of the propulsion units 7 and the hull 10 located around it, relative to the transverse axis Y.

[0100] Optionally, the residual space formed by the casing 71 and the part of the hull 10 located directly opposite is filled with foam 9 in order to prevent water from being present there. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to improve the buoyancy and balance of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 when it is submerged.

[0101] Optionally, the foams 9 housed between the casing 71 and the part of the shell 10 located directly opposite are associated with one or more sealing joints in order to isolate the residual space filled by the foams 9 from the immersion chamber 4. The objective here is not to make such residual spaces communicate with the immersion chamber 4.

[0102] For this purpose, the immersion chamber 4 is in fluid communication with the environment outside the underwater exploration vehicle 1 by means of several orifices 2 cleverly arranged and oriented on the hull 10:

[0103] - first orifices 21 located on a lower face 108 of the shell 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. The first orifices 21 form through openings of the lower face 108 of the hull 10, which open directly into the immersion chamber 4 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. The first orifices 21 allow fluid communication between the external environment and the immersion chamber 4. More particularly, the first orifices 21 are configured to allow filling of the immersion chamber 4 when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is launched into the water, and only during this step. Conversely, when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is taken out of the water, the first orifices 21 are configured to allow water to flow out of the immersion chamber 4 by simple gravity effect;

[0104] - second orifices 22 located on an upper face 101 of the shell 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, behind the control screen 18. In particular, the second orifices 22 are located on the floor 1051 of the concavity 105 of the upper face 101 of the hull 10, behind and below the control screen 18. The second orifices 22 form through openings of the upper face 101 of the hull 10, which open into the immersion chamber 4 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. The second orifices 22 allow fluid communication between the external environment and the immersion chamber 4. More particularly, the second orifices 22 are configured to allow the air contained in the immersion chamber 4 before the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is launched to be expelled from said immersion chamber 4 when it is filled during the launching of the vehicle underwater exploration 1, and only during this stage.Thus, the second orifices 22 collaborate with the first orifices 21 to facilitate the filling of the immersion chamber 4 with water when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is launched into the water by simultaneously allowing the entry of water through the first orifices 21 and an exit of air through the second orifices 22. Conversely, when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is taken out of the water, the second orifices 22 are configured to allow an entry of air into the immersion chamber 4, while the water which was present in the immersion chamber 4 flows out of said immersion chamber 4 by simple gravity effect and under the effect of the pressure of the incoming air. Thus, the second orifices 22 collaborate with the first orifices 21 to facilitate the emptying of water from the immersion chamber 4 when the underwater exploration vehicle leaves the water. marine 1 by simultaneously allowing the entry of air through the second orifices 22 and an entry of water through the first orifices 21;

[0105] - third orifices 23 located on the lateral faces 102 of the shell 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. In particular, the third orifices 23 are located on each lateral face 102 of the hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, at the level of the control screen 18 and the control handles 13. The third orifices 23 form through openings of each lateral face 102 of the hull 10 on which they are formed, and which open into the immersion chamber 4 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. The third orifices 23 allow fluid communication between the external environment and the immersion chamber 4. More particularly, the third orifices 23 are configured to allow filling of the immersion chamber 4 when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is launched into the water, and only during this step.Thus, the third orifices 23 collaborate with the first orifices 21 to facilitate the filling of the immersion chamber 4 with water when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is launched by accelerating the filling of the immersion chamber 4 and by allowing such a more balanced filling between a front zone of the immersion chamber 4 and a rear zone of said immersion chamber 4, relative to the longitudinal axis X.

[0106] All the electronic components of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 are advantageously housed in the immersion chamber 4, so that they are all immersed in the immersion chamber 4 during the operation of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. This advantageous configuration also makes it possible to thermalize the electronic components during the operation of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.

[0107] However, due to the use of an electric battery 5 of the type of a battery comprising lithium, excessive cooling is not desired. Consequently, the immersion chamber 4 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 according to the invention is not crossed by a current of water during the use of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, and in particular during its movements on the water or underwater. For this purpose, the various orifices 2 present in the hull 10 and putting the immersion chamber 4 in fluid communication with the outside are not configured to allow such a flow of water in the immersion chamber 4 during the advance of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 because:

[0108] - no orifice serving as an inlet orifice for the immersion chamber 4 is located on the front face 106 or in the bow area 12 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. Conversely, all the orifices 2 serving as water inlet orifices for the immersion chamber 4 are located at a central area of ​​the vehicle underwater exploration 1, relative to the longitudinal axis X, and located between the bow area 12 and the stern area 11, excluding these;

[0109] - no orifice serving as an outlet orifice for the immersion chamber 4 is located on the rear face 107 or in the stern area 11 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. Conversely, all the orifices 2 serving as water outlet orifices for the immersion chamber 4 are located at a central area of ​​the underwater exploration vehicle 1, relative to the longitudinal axis X, and located between the bow area 12 and the stern area 11, excluding these;

[0110] - no orifice directly faces the flow of water around the vehicle underwater exploration vehicle 1 during its movement on the water or underwater. Conversely, all the orifices 2 have an orientation which is tangential or substantially tangential to the flow of water around the underwater exploration vehicle 1 during its movement on the water or underwater.

[0111] Consequently, during the movement of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 under water or on water, the water present in the immersion chamber 4 remains immobile and forms a static or quasi-static mass in the interior volume delimited by the hull 10.

[0112] In addition, at the level of the lateral faces 102 and close to the lower face 108, the hull 10 delimits openings forming gripping handles 14 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.

[0113] At the level of the upper face 101, in the rear part of the floor 1051 of the concavity 105, relative to the longitudinal axis X, the underwater exploration vehicle 1 comprises a plug 15 which seals an electrical connector 8 making it possible to update internal software embedded in the control unit 6, or certain of the functional parameters of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to make updates easily and to facilitate the wired connection between the underwater exploration vehicle 1 and a remote server.

[0114] As mentioned previously, the invention here organizes the different orifices 2 putting the immersion chamber 4 into fluid communication with the external environment so that they prevent a flow of water into the immersion chamber 4 when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is moving on the surface of the water or in the water.

[0115] With reference to FIGURES 4 and 5 in particular, the first orifices 21 form large openings which extend relative to the longitudinal axis X on the lower face 108 of the hood of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.

[0116] The first orifices 21 do not allow the insertion of water when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is moving on the surface of the water or underwater because an axis perpendicular to the opening surface of the first orifices 21 is oriented or substantially oriented along the vertical axis Z of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. In other words, the first orifices 21 are oriented or substantially oriented in the direction of the vertical axis Z, so as to extend tangentially to a flow of water during the movement of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, relative to the longitudinal axis X. Thus, when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is in use, the immersion chamber 4 being filled with water, the water which flows along the lower face 108 of the hull 10 cannot enter the immersion chamber 4 due to the pressure balance existing both in the immersion chamber 4 and at the lower face 108 and the first orifices 21. Thus, the water flows along the lower face 108 without entering the immersion chamber 4.This behavior is particularly favored by the fact that the first orifices 21 extend longitudinally over a very large part of the lower face 108, between the bow zone 12 and the stern zone 11 of the underwater exploration vehicle, so as to favor an internal pressure balance between a frontal zone of the immersion chamber 4 - located on the side of the electric battery 5 - and a rear zone of the immersion chamber 4, located at the level of the propellers of the propulsion assemblies 7, relative to the longitudinal axis X.

[0117] More particularly, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 4 and 5, the first orifices 21 comprise a plurality of oblong slots 211 which all extend along the longitudinal axis X of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. In other words, each oblong slot 211 forming the first orifices 21 extends in an elongated manner - preferably in a rectangular manner - relative to the longitudinal axis X of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. The oblong slots 211 are all parallel to each other and distributed adjacent to each other relative to the transverse axis Y of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.

[0118] In order to protect the lower face 108 of the hull 10 and to prevent objects from entering the immersion chamber 4 through the first orifices 21, the lower face 108 of the hull 10 comprises ribs 212 which all extend projecting from the lower face 108 of the hull 10 and along the longitudinal axis X of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. The ribs 212 are all parallel to each other and extend between two adjacent oblong slots 211. The ribs 212 are made of a single material with the lower face 108 of the hull 10.

[0119] The first orifices 21, and in particular the oblong lights 211 and the associated ribs 212 are located in the central part of the underwater exploration vehicle, relative to the transverse axis Y.

[0120] With reference to FIGURES 2, 3 and 5 in particular, the second orifices 22 form openings which extend relative to the transverse axis Y on the upper face 101 of the hood of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, and more particularly on the floor 1051 of the concavity 105, directly behind the control screen 18, relative to the longitudinal axis X.

[0121] The second orifices 22 do not allow the insertion of water when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is moving on the surface of the water or underwater because an axis perpendicular to the opening surface of the second orifices 22 is oriented or substantially oriented along the vertical axis Z of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. In other words, the second orifices 22 are oriented or substantially oriented in the direction of the vertical axis Z, so as to extend tangentially to a flow of water when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is moving, relative to the longitudinal axis X. Furthermore, the second orifices 22 are located in the concavity 105 of the upper face 101 of the hull 10, therefore sheltered from a water current when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is moving underwater.Thus, when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is in use, the immersion chamber 4 being filled with water, the water which flows along the upper face 101 of the hull 10 or at the concavity 105 cannot enter the immersion chamber 4 due to the pressure balance existing both in the immersion chamber 4 and at the upper face 101 of the hull 10 and the second orifices 22. Thus, the water flows along the upper face 101 and along the concavity 105 without entering the immersion chamber 4. This behavior is particularly favored by the fact that each second orifice 22 has a flap 24 which extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis X - as visible in [Fig. 5] - which leads to obstructing or slowing down or making more difficult the insertion of the water into the immersion chamber 4 located directly above.

[0122] As visible in [Fig.5], each second orifice 22 comprises a slot 25 associated with the flap 24. The slot 25 extends along the transverse axis Y of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. In other words, the slots 25 forming the second orifices 22 all extend in an elongated manner - preferably in a rectangular or oblong manner - relative to the transverse axis Y of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. Relative to the transverse axis Y, the flap 24 extends in an identical manner to the slot 25 with which it is associated. The flaps 24 thus form a kind of deflector for the second orifices 22, preventing the water from flowing towards the immersion chamber 4 when the latter is subjected to a flow movement towards the rear of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, as is the case for underwater navigation.

[0123] In order to facilitate the immersion of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 when it is launched into the water by facilitating the expulsion of the air present in the immersion chamber 4 when the water enters through the first orifices 21, the second orifices 22 are located directly above the first orifices 21. The second orifices 22 are also located in the central position of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, relative to the transverse axis Y.

[0124] Relative to the longitudinal axis X, the slots 25 forming the second orifices 22 extend at the level of a region of the upper face 101 of the hull 10 situated between the battery and the control unit 6, relative to the longitudinal axis X of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.

[0125] With reference to FIGURES 1, 2 and 3 in particular, the third orifices 23 form large openings which extend relative to the vertical axis Z on each of the lateral faces 102 of the hood of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, and more particularly at the level of the depression formed by the lateral faces 102, at the level of the passages 130 opposite the control handles 13.

[0126] The third orifices 23 do not allow the insertion of water when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is moving on the surface of the water or underwater because an axis perpendicular to the opening surface of the third orifices 23 is oriented or substantially oriented along the transverse axis Y of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. In other words, the third orifices 23 are oriented or substantially oriented in the direction of the transverse axis Y, so as to extend tangentially to a flow of water during the movement of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, relative to the longitudinal axis X. Furthermore, the third orifices 23 are located in the depression formed on the side faces 102 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.Thus, when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is in use, with the immersion chamber 4 filled with water, the water flowing along the side faces 102 of the hull 10 cannot enter the immersion chamber 4 due to the pressure balance existing both in the immersion chamber 4 and at said side faces 102 of the hull 10 and the third orifices 23. Thus, the water flows along the side faces 102 without entering the immersion chamber 4.

[0127] Relative to the vertical axis Z, the third orifices 23 are aligned or substantially aligned with the second orifices 22. In other words, the third orifices 23 are located close to the upper face 101 of the hull 10. Complementarily, relative to the longitudinal axis X, the third orifices 23 are located in front of the second orifices 22, and at a front part of the first orifices 21. In particular, the third orifices 23 extend opposite the electric battery 5 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to promote the flooding of the front part of the immersion chamber 4 when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is launched into the water.

[0128] The third orifices 23 extend along the vertical axis Z and / or longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. In other words, the third orifices 23 extend in an elongated manner - preferably in a rectangular or oblong manner - relative to the vertical axis Z and / or longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, and in a manner all parallel and adjacent to each other

[0129] As visible in FIGURES 1 and 2, each lateral face 102 of the hull 10 on which the third orifices 23 are arranged comprises a deflector 231 associated with each third orifice 23. The deflector 231 is configured to prevent the flow of water into the third orifices 23 when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is moving on the surface of the water or underwater. Conversely, the deflectors 231 make it possible to generate a tangential flow to the third orifices 23.

[0130] The deflectors 231 extend projecting from the lateral face 102 on which the third orifices 23 are formed. Each third orifice 23 is associated with a deflector 231. Each deflector 231 extends from the lateral face 102 on which the third orifices 23 are formed. Each deflector 231 overhangs the corresponding third orifice 23, relative to the transverse axis Y. In other words, each deflector 231 extends from front to rear from the lateral face 102 of the shell 10, so as to overhang the third orifice 23 with which it is associated, relative to the transverse axis Y.

[0131] Thus, the underwater exploration vehicle 1 according to the invention proposes a particularly clever architecture and geometry with a view to optimizing its performance. Indeed, the underwater exploration vehicles known from the prior art which implemented an internal flow in the immersion chamber 4, due to the water inlet facing the flow of water - that is to say facing the longitudinal axis X - and / or located at the level of their bow zone 12 led to less maneuverability and greater inertia, and therefore to less comfort of use, due to the existence of this internal flow and the internal friction generated by the water flowing in the cavity. Conversely, the design proposed here provides a completely opposite design and cleverly leads to increased performance and comfort of use.

[0132] In summary, the invention relates to an underwater exploration vehicle 1 comprising:

[0133] - a shell 10 delimiting an immersion chamber 4;

[0134] - a plurality of orifices 2 arranged on the shell 10, each orifice being in common fluidic connection with the environment external to the underwater exploration vehicle 1 and being fluidically coupled with the immersion chamber 4;

[0135] - two propulsion units 7 located on either side of the immersion chamber 4 ;

[0136] - a single electric battery 5 electrically coupled to an electric motor 70 of each propulsion unit 7;

[0137] - a control unit 6 electrically connected to the electric battery 5 and to each propulsion assembly 7, so as to control said electric battery 5 and the propulsion assemblies 7.

[0138] According to the invention, the orifices 2 are configured to prevent a flow of water into the immersion chamber 4 when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is moving on the surface of the water or in the water.

[0139] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the different characteristics, forms, variants and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above can be combined with each other.

Claims

Claims

1. Underwater exploration vehicle (1) comprising: - a hull (10) delimiting an interior volume for the underwater exploration vehicle (1); - a plurality of orifices (2) arranged on the hull (10), each orifice being in fluid communication with the environment external to the underwater exploration vehicle (1) and being fluidically coupled with an immersion chamber (4) housed in the hull (10);- at least one propulsion assembly (7) comprising an electric motor (70) configured to generate a driving torque on a transmission shaft (72) and a propeller (73) rotatably coupled to the transmission shaft (72), the at least one propulsion assembly (7) being housed in the interior volume, a portion of the transmission shaft (72) and the propeller (73) being housed in a casing (71) forming a flow channel (3) which extends into the immersion chamber (4), the flow channel of the at least one propulsion assembly (7) being in fluid communication with the environment external to the underwater exploration vehicle (1) via an inlet opening (16) and an outlet opening (17) arranged on the hull (10); - an electric battery (5) electrically coupled to the electric motor (70) of each at least one propulsion assembly (7), the electric battery (5) being housed in the interior volume of the hull (10);- a control unit (6) electrically connected to the electric battery (5) and to each at least one propulsion assembly (7), so as to control said electric battery (5) and said at least one propulsion assembly (7); characterized in that the orifices (2) are configured to prevent a flow of water into the immersion chamber (4) when the underwater exploration vehicle (1) is moving on the surface of the water or in the water.;

2. An underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein all the ports (2) are located outside a front portion and a rear portion of the underwater exploration vehicle (1).

3. An underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein none of the orifices (2) has an opening surface perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the opening surface. dicular to a longitudinal axis (X) of the underwater exploration vehicle (1) corresponding to a direction of movement in the water.

4. An underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the ports (2) comprise first ports (21) located on a lower face (108) of the hull (10) of the underwater exploration vehicle (1).

5. Underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein an axis perpendicular to the opening surface of the first orifices (21) is oriented or substantially oriented along the vertical axis (Z) of the underwater exploration vehicle (1).

6. An underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the first orifices (21) comprise a plurality of oblong ports (211) which all extend along the longitudinal axis (X) of the underwater exploration vehicle (1) and parallel to each other, the oblong ports (211) being located adjacent to each other relative to a transverse axis (Y) of said underwater exploration vehicle (1), the oblong ports (211) extending behind a front edge of the battery and in front of the propeller (73) of the at least one propulsion assembly (7), relative to the longitudinal axis (X) of the underwater exploration vehicle (1).

7. An underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the lower face (108) of the hull (10) comprises ribs (212) which all extend projecting from the lower face (108) of the hull (10) and along the longitudinal axis (X) of the underwater exploration vehicle (1), said ribs (212) all being parallel to each other.

8. An underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the ports (2) comprise second ports (22) located on an upper face (101) of the hull (10) of the underwater exploration vehicle (1).

9. Underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein an axis perpendicular to the opening surface of the second orifices (22) is oriented or substantially oriented along the vertical axis (Z) of the underwater exploration vehicle (1).

10. An underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the second orifices (22) comprise a plurality of slots (25) which all extend along the transverse axis (Y) of the underwater exploration vehicle (1) and parallel to each other, the slots (25) being located adjacent to each other, relative to a longitudinal axis (X) of said underwater exploration vehicle (1), the slots (25) forming the second orifices (22) extending vertically above the oblong lights (211) forming the first orifices (21).

11. Underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the slots (25) forming the second orifices (22) extend at a region of the upper face (101) of the hull (10) located between the battery and the control unit (6), relative to the longitudinal axis (X) of the underwater exploration vehicle (1).

12. An underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the ports (2) comprise third ports (23) located on side faces (102) of the hull (10) of the underwater exploration vehicle (1).

13. Underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein an axis perpendicular to the opening surface of the third orifices (23) is oriented or substantially oriented along the transverse axis (Y) of the underwater exploration vehicle (1).

14. An underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the underwater exploration vehicle (1) comprises: - control handles (13) located on either side of the lateral faces (102) of the hull (10), the third orifices (23) being located at said control handles (13) relative to the longitudinal axis (X); - at a portion of each lateral face (102) located opposite the electric battery (5), a depression forming a concave surface, each control handle (13) extending opposite and at a distance from the corresponding depression, the third orifices (23) being formed on each concavity (105), at or behind the control handles (13), relative to the longitudinal axis (X) of the underwater exploration vehicle (1).

15. An underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the third orifices (23) comprise a plurality of holes which all extend along the vertical axis (Z) of the underwater exploration vehicle (1) and parallel to each other, the holes being located adjacent to each other, re- relative to a vertical axis (Z) of said underwater exploration vehicle (1).

16. Underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein each lateral face (102) of the hull (10) on which the third orifices (23) are arranged comprises deflectors (231) which extend projecting from said lateral face (102), each deflector (231) being associated with one of the holes forming the third orifices (23), the deflectors (231) being configured to prevent a flow of water in the holes forming said third orifices (23) and, conversely, generate a flow tangential to said holes.

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