underwater exploration vehicle
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023009881
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-09-19
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-21
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
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] Such known underwater exploration vehicles sometimes also include a lighting assembly located at their front face. Such a lighting assembly thus makes it possible to illuminate the front of the underwater exploration vehicle in order to better see the seabed located ahead. Such lighting assemblies take the form of front lights, in a manner comparable to what is found on motor vehicles for example.
[0005] The disadvantage of such lighting assemblies lies in their bulk and the ergonomic and design constraints that they impose on underwater exploration vehicles. In other words, such lighting assemblies are not particularly suitable for underwater exploration vehicles.
[0006] The object of the present invention is to propose a new underwater exploration vehicle in order to respond at least in large part to the preceding problems and to further lead to other benefits.
[0007] Another object of the invention is to improve the integration of a lighting assembly on such an underwater exploration vehicle.
[0008] Another aim of the invention is to propose such a lighting assembly which is reliable and economical, without complicating the manufacture or maintenance of the underwater exploration vehicle.
[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with an underwater exploration vehicle comprising:
[0010] - a hull delimiting an interior volume for the underwater exploration vehicle navy;
[0011] - a plurality of orifices arranged on the hull, each orifice being in common fluid communication with the environment external to the underwater exploration vehicle and being fluidically coupled with an immersion chamber housed in the hull;
[0012] - 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 at least one 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;
[0013] - 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;
[0014] - 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;
[0015] - a control screen electrically connected to the control unit and configured to displaying functional parameters of the underwater exploration vehicle, said control screen being housed at a concavity of an upper face of the hull;
[0016] - a lighting assembly located at a bow of said exploration vehicle underwater.
[0017] According to the invention, the lighting assembly comprises a light source mounted in a sealed manner in a support and a control unit located at a distance from the light source and connected by wire to said light source.
[0018] In the context of the present invention, a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis and a vertical axis are defined in relation to the underwater exploration vehicle according to the first aspect of the invention. More particularly, the transverse axis is understood as a direction taken between a lateral side of the underwater exploration vehicle and an opposite lateral side of said underwater exploration vehicle. In other words, the transverse axis is understood as a direction 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 the at least one propulsion assembly.The adjectives frontal, front, and rear refer to this longitudinal axis. Finally, the vertical axis is understood to be taken along an axis that 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 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 nautical craft capable of moving on water or underwater. The underwater exploration vehicle may be piloted by a user intended to be then 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] The hull delimits a lower face of the underwater exploration vehicle, an upper face opposite the lower face relative to the vertical axis, and two lateral faces opposite one another relative to the transverse axis and connecting the upper face to the lower face. A user of the underwater exploration vehicle is intended to extend partly on the upper face of said underwater exploration vehicle in order to grasp control handles and to pilot said underwater exploration vehicle. In order to enable it to control functional parameters of the underwater exploration vehicle, the latter comprises the control screen arranged in the upper part of the underwater exploration vehicle, at the level of the upper face of the hull. Due to the flow of air or water against the underwater exploration vehicle, depending on its use respectively on the surface of the water or in the water, the screen is housed at the concavity of the upper face of the hull.
[0022] According to the invention, the concavity of the upper face forms a depression located directly behind the control screen, relative to the longitudinal axis, so as to offer the user of the underwater exploration vehicle an optimal viewing angle on said control screen. The concavity of the hull also offers a protective geometry for said user, in the manner of a windshield for example on a motorcycle in the automotive field.
[0023] 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 removing the underwater exploration vehicle from the water - an air inlet and / or an air outlet and / or a water inlet and / or a water outlet. In a preferred but non-limiting manner of the invention, 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 numerous 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.
[0024] 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 longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] In the context of the present invention, the concept of sealing is considered in the context of use of the underwater exploration vehicle according to the first aspect of the invention, that is to say watertightness and for depths of use less than 100m.
[0028] In the context of the present invention, the lighting assembly is configured to generate a light beam in front of the underwater exploration vehicle. The lighting assembly is securely attached to the hull or to an internal support of the hull, by means of its own support.
[0029] According to the invention, the light source is mounted in a sealed manner in its support in order to isolate the light source from the water and ensure its proper operation. Furthermore, the light source is not directly associated with its control unit, so that said control unit is located at a distance from the light source. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it makes it possible to deal separately with the sealing issues of the light source itself, and those of the control unit, making the design, manufacture and maintenance of the underwater exploration vehicle simpler and more economical.
[0030] 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:
[0031] - according to a first embodiment of the invention, the support forms a housing sealed housing in which the light source is housed. This configuration makes it possible to solve the technical problem in a particularly effective manner but at the cost of higher development, production and maintenance costs. Also, according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, the light source is associated in a sealed manner with the support, said support itself being non-sealed. This configuration thus makes it possible to provide a mechanical assembly of the support of the assembly simpler and faster lighting on the underwater exploration vehicle, while the sealing issues are addressed at the level of the light source directly and only;
[0032] - the control unit is housed in a waterproof box, separate from the support for the light source. The control unit is located at a distance from the light source, and connected to it by a wired connection in order to control the light source. The control unit is housed in a waterproof case in order to guarantee its proper operation despite the immersion of the underwater exploration vehicle, more particularly, the control unit is located behind the light source, relative to the longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle;
[0033] - according to a particularly interesting version of the invention, the waterproof housing is housed in the immersion chamber of the underwater exploration vehicle. In addition, the control unit is formed by the control unit of the underwater exploration vehicle;
[0034] - the support of the lighting assembly comprises a base configured to receive the light source and a closing blade configured to be associated with the base, the light source being housed between the base and the closing blade. In the context of the present invention, the base takes the form of an arcuate plate configured to collaborate with the front face of the hull of the underwater exploration vehicle, so as to present a continuity of shapes. In particular, the closing blade takes the form of a closing cover collaborating with the base, the base and the closing blade delimiting a housing in which the light source is housed. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to pre-assemble the light assembly as an independent module and to fix it, once assembled, on the underwater exploration vehicle;
[0035] - the closing blade is transparent or translucent with respect to a generated light by the light source. Advantageously, the closing blade comprises an optical diffuser which makes it possible to diffuse the light emitted by the light source in a plurality of different directions. By way of non-limiting example, the closing blade comprises a sandblasted surface. The closing blade and the base are advantageously formed from a plastic material;
[0036] - the base and the closing blade comprise additional fixing means As non-limiting examples, the means of fixing the base and the closing blade are of the type of clips or fixing lugs, working together by snap-fastening or engagement of complementary shapes;
[0037] - preferably, the base and the closing blade are fixed together. to the other in a non-watertight manner. Thus, the housing delimited by the base and the closing blade does not prevent water from entering, only the light source housed therein is made waterproof. This configuration makes it possible to simplify and reduce the development costs of such a support for the lighting assembly;
[0038] - according to a first variant embodiment, the light source is of the type of a surface light source, the light source extending along a transverse axis of the underwater exploration vehicle, between the lateral faces of the hull. In particular, the light source comprises a flexible strip in which a plurality of light-emitting diodes connected together by an electronic circuit are housed, the flexible strip being waterproof. The flexible strip extends along the front face of the underwater exploration vehicle, between the two lateral faces of the hull for example. In the context of the present invention, it is understood that the strip is flexible in that it can be deformed during its installation on the support in order to follow the curvature of said support and the general conformation of the bow of the underwater exploration vehicle. For this purpose, the flexible strip is formed by a material comprising a plastic;
[0039] - according to a second variant embodiment, the light assembly comprises a overmolding the light source onto the base, the overmolding forming a sealed capsule for said light source. By way of non-limiting example, the overmolding comprises a silicone gel, the light source being completely surrounded by said silicone gel when it is associated with the base. Alternatively, and according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the overmolding comprises an adhesive transparent to the light emitted by the light source, the light source being embedded in said adhesive. Preferably, the adhesive is of the silicone adhesive type which remains flexible once dried, in order to be able to shape the light source on its support, and more particularly on the base whatever its shape;
[0040] - the support comprises fixing members collaborating with complementary members fixing elements located on an upper support of the underwater exploration vehicle. the fixing members and the complementary fixing members are preferably of the type of a fixing clip so that the support is assembled on the hull or on the upper support by snap-fastening. Optionally, in a complementary or alternative manner, the fixing members comprise fixing screws collaborating with threads forming the complementary fixing members;
[0041] - at a front part of the support, the support comprises a tab support for a front face of the hull of the underwater exploration vehicle. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to promote the support of the front face of the hull against the support, and to optimize the adjustment of the hull at the level of the lighting assembly. In particular, the base and / or the closing blade comprise such a support tab for a front face of the hull of the underwater exploration vehicle.
[0042] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is proposed a method for controlling the lighting assembly of the underwater exploration vehicle in accordance with the first aspect of the invention or according to any of its improvements, in which at least one operating parameter of said lighting assembly is controlled from at least one functional parameter of the motor vehicle.
[0043] In the context of the present invention, the at least one operating parameter of the lighting assembly is chosen from:
[0044] - a flashing frequency of the light source. The flashing frequency gnotement is understood here as the inverse of a period delimited by two successive illuminations of the light source or two successive extinctions of said light source; and / or
[0045] - a duty cycle of a flash of the light source. The duty cycle is understood here as the ratio between a duration of illumination of the light source and a duration of extinction of said light source; and / or
[0046] - a color of the light emitted by the light source. Color here means as an emission spectrum of the light source; and / or
[0047] - a luminous intensity emitted by the light source. The luminous intensity is understood here as the intensity of a luminous flux emitted by the light source; and / or
[0048] - a phase shift between each light-emitting diode forming the light source. The phase shift is understood here as the duration separating the illumination of a first light-emitting diode forming the light source from a second light-emitting diode adjacent to the first light-emitting diode. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to form a chase with the lighting assembly;
[0049] In the context of the present invention, the at least one functional parameter of the underwater exploration vehicle is chosen from:
[0050] - a state of charge of the electric battery, the state of charge is understood here as a remaining energy level stored by the electric battery at a given time. This advantageous configuration thus makes it possible to indicate to a user of the underwater exploration vehicle and / or to a person located in the vicinity of said underwater exploration vehicle the residual battery level of the electric battery and to indicate to him whether he must return towards the port or his boat or whether he can continue to use the underwater exploration vehicle; and / or
[0051] - a movement speed of the underwater exploration vehicle. This confi advantageous configuration makes it possible to indicate to a user of the underwater exploration vehicle and / or to a person located in the vicinity of said underwater exploration vehicle at what speed the underwater exploration vehicle is moving, for example for safety reasons; and / or
[0052] - an operating power of the electric motor(s) of the vehicle underwater exploration vehicle. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to indicate to a user of the underwater exploration vehicle and / or to a person located in the vicinity of said underwater exploration vehicle the speed at which the underwater exploration vehicle is moving, for example for safety reasons; and / or
[0053] - a position of the underwater exploration vehicle. This configuration advantageous allows for example to indicate to a user of the underwater exploration vehicle whether the underwater exploration vehicle is located near the port or his boat or if it is far from it; and / or
[0054] - a depth of the underwater exploration vehicle. This configuration advantageously allows to indicate to a user of the underwater exploration vehicle and / or to a person located in the vicinity of said underwater exploration vehicle if said underwater exploration vehicle reaches or approaches a maximum depth level beyond which the underwater exploration vehicle is no longer suitable to go; and / or
[0055] - a duration of use of the underwater exploration vehicle. This configuration advantageous makes it possible to indicate to a user of the underwater exploration vehicle a duration of use of the underwater exploration vehicle and to have an indication whether he must return to the port or to his boat or whether he can continue his use of said underwater exploration vehicle;
[0056] - the control unit, the electric battery and the electric motor of each at least a propulsion assembly are housed in the immersion chamber. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to better regulate 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, in order to function optimally, be brought to several tens of degrees. Also, the production of a flow which 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
[0057] - according to a particularly advantageous configuration, the exploration vehicle The underwater vehicle comprises a single electric battery and two propulsion assemblies, the electric motor of each propulsion assembly being electrically coupled to each electric battery. Relative to a transverse axis of the underwater exploration vehicle, the electric battery is located centrally in the chamber immersion, 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 level of 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;
[0058] - 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 for the weight of the electric battery - located at the front - by that of the control unit - located in the middle position - and of the propulsion assemblies located at the rear;
[0059] - 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 longitudinal axis.
[0060] - 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.
[0061] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, incorporating according to all of their possible combinations of the various optional features set out here.
[0062] 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 appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:
[0063] [Fig-1] illustrates a perspective and front view of an exemplary embodiment of an underwater exploration vehicle according to the first aspect of the invention;
[0064] [Fig.2] illustrates a perspective and rear view of the underwater exploration vehicle illustrated in [Fig.l];
[0065] [Fig.3] illustrates a top view of the underwater exploration vehicle illustrated in [Fig.l];
[0066] [Fig.4] illustrates a bottom view of the underwater exploration vehicle illustrated in [Fig.l];
[0067] [Fig.5] illustrates a longitudinal and side sectional view of the underwater exploration vehicle illustrated in [Fig.l];
[0068] [Fig.6] illustrates a longitudinal sectional and top view of the underwater exploration vehicle illustrated in [Fig.l];
[0069] [Fig.7] illustrates a front view of the underwater exploration vehicle illustrated in [Fig.l];
[0070] [Fig.8] illustrates an exploded view of a lighting assembly on board the underwater exploration vehicle illustrated in [Fig.l];
[0071] [Fig.9] illustrates a detail view of the lighting assembly on board the underwater exploration vehicle illustrated in [Fig.l] on board the underwater exploration vehicle illustrated in [Fig.l].
[0072] Of course, the features, variants and different embodiments of 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.
[0073] 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.
[0074] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.
[0075] In the FIGURES described below, a longitudinal axis X is defined, a lateral axis and a vertical axis Z relative to the underwater exploration vehicle 1 according to the first aspect of the invention.
[0076] 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.
[0077] Furthermore, the longitudinal axis X extends as taken along a direction that extends from front to back 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.
[0078] 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.
[0079] With reference to FIGURES 1 to 6, the invention primarily relates to an underwater exploration vehicle 1 comprising:
[0080] - a hull 10 delimiting an interior volume for the underwater exploration vehicle marine 1;
[0081] - 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;
[0082] - 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;
[0083] - 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;
[0084] - 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;
[0085] - 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;
[0086] - 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.
[0087] 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.
[0088] 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 different parts of the hull 10 are connected to each other and / or to an internal frame making it possible in particular to stiffen the underwater exploration vehicle 1.
[0089] 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 11 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.
[0090] 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 11. This configuration makes it possible to present both a face on outer 101 wider for greater user comfort, but also to allow the definition of an interior volume large enough to accommodate all the electronic elements necessary for the operation of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.
[0091] 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.
[0092] As visible in [Fig.5], this part located directly behind the bow 11 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 11 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 - to a cap 103 overhanging the control screen 18.
[0093] 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.
[0094] 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 radiation - 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. In addition, 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 lateral sidewalks 104 extend behind . control screen 18 and cap 103, and overlook floor 1051.
[0095] 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 12 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.
[0096] As mentioned previously, the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is manipulated by control handles 13 located on either side of the central body 100 of said underwater exploration vehicle 1, and at 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.
[0097] 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.
[0098] 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 close to the lateral faces 102 of the hull 10. Relative to the longitudinal axis X, the propulsion assemblies 7 are located behind the electric battery 5, at a rear part of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.
[0099] 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 portion 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.
[0100] In order to facilitate the insertion of water into the inlet openings 16, the lower face 108 of the hull 10 has a concave region, relative to the vertical axis Z, at the level of said inlet openings 16. This advantageous configuration makes it easier for the water flowing at the 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.
[0101] 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.
[0102] 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 12. 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.
[0103] In a particularly advantageous manner, the electric battery 5 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is placed in a forward position and in a 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.
[0104] As mentioned previously, and as more particularly visible on the 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.
[0105] 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 level of 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.
[0106] 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.
[0107] 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.
[0108] 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:
[0109] - 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, and only during this step. conversely, when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is removed from the water, the first orifices 21 are configured to allow water to flow out of the immersion chamber 4 by simple gravity effect;
[0110] - 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 1 leaves the water by simultaneously allowing the entry of air through the second orifices 22 and an entry of water through the first orifices 21;
[0111] - 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, 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 launching the underwater exploration vehicle 1 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.
[0112] All the electronic components of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 are advantageously housed in the immersion chamber 4, so that they are all immersed in the immersion chamber 4 during operation of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. This advantageous configuration also makes it possible to thermalize the electronic components during operation of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.
[0113] 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:
[0114] - no orifice serving as an inlet orifice for the immersion chamber 4 is located on the front face 106 or in the bow area 11 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 underwater exploration vehicle 1, relative to the longitudinal axis X, and located between the bow area 11 and the stern area 12, excluding the latter;
[0115] - no orifice serving as an outlet orifice for the immersion chamber 4 is located on the rear face 107 or in the stern area 12 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 11 and the stern area 12, excluding these;
[0116] - no orifice directly faces the flow of water around the vehicle underwater exploration vehicle 1 while moving on water or underwater. Conversely, all the orifices 2 have an orientation which is tangential or substantially tangential to the flow of water around the vehicle underwater exploration 1 while moving on or under water.
[0117] 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.
[0118] 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.
[0119] 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.
[0120] 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.
[0121] 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.
[0122] 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 notably 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 11 and the stern zone 12 of the underwater exploration vehicle, so as to promote 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.
[0123] 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.
[0124] 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.
[0125] 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.
[0126] 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.
[0127] 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 notably 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 water into the immersion chamber 4 located directly above.
[0128] 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 231 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.
[0129] 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 it 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.
[0130] 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.
[0131] 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.
[0132] 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 lateral faces 102 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.Thus, when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is in use, with the immersion chamber 4 filled with water, the water flowing along the 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.
[0133] 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.
[0134] 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.
[0135] 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.
[0136] The deflectors 231 extend projecting from the side 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.
[0137] 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 11 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.
[0138] With reference to FIGURES 7 to 9, the lighting assembly 19 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is located at the bow 11 of said underwater exploration vehicle 1. Furthermore, the lighting assembly 19 comprises a light source 194 mounted in a sealed manner in a support 190 and a control unit located remotely from the light source 194 and connected by wire to said light source 194.
[0139] In the embodiment illustrated in the FIGURES, the control unit of the lighting assembly 19 is formed by the control unit 6 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. The control unit 6 is located behind the support 190 on which the light source 194 is mounted. In particular, the support 190 is mounted on the front face 106 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, in front of the electric battery 5 relative to the longitudinal axis X, while the control unit - formed by the control unit 6, is mounted behind the electric battery 5. Of course, the control unit 6 is connected to the light source 194 of the lighting assembly 19 by wired means not visible in the FIGURES.
[0140] The support 190 forms an element of the front face 106 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. More particularly, the support 190 forms an interface between the environment outside the underwater exploration vehicle 1 and the interior volume delimited by the hull 10. Thus, in the context of the present invention, the front face 106 of the hull 10 collaborates with the support 190 of the lighting assembly 19. More particularly, the front face 106 of the hull 10 is located along the support 190 of the lighting assembly 19, relative to the vertical axis Z, such that an end edge of the front face 106 of the hull 10 is in abutment or brought into contact against the support 190 of the lighting assembly 19, so as to form a surface continuity between the front face 106 and the lighting assembly 19 at the level of the bow 11 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.
[0141] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light source 194 is associated in a sealed manner with the support 190, but the support 190 receiving the light source 194 does not form a sealed housing 1912 for said light source 194. For this purpose, as can be seen more particularly in FIGURES 8 and 9, the support 190 of the lighting assembly 19 comprises:
[0142] - a base 192 configured to receive the light source 194; and
[0143] - a closing blade 191 configured to associate with the base 192.
[0144] The light source 194 is housed between the base 192 and the closing blade 191 which together form a housing 1912 for the light source 194.
[0145] As visible in [Fig.8], the base 192 takes the form of an arcuate plate configured to collaborate with the front face 106 of the hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle, so as to present a continuity of shapes. The base 192 thus extends in a curved manner between one lateral face 102 of the hull 10 and the other, at the level of the front face 106. The base 192 is preferably formed of a plastic material.
[0146] Similarly, the closing blade 191 takes the form of a closing cover collaborating with the base 192. The closing blade 191 is transparent or translucent with respect to light generated by the light source 194. The closing blade 191 is preferably formed from a plastic material.
[0147] The base 192 and the closing blade 191 delimit a housing 1912 in which the light source 194 is housed. For this purpose, the base 192 and the closing blade 191 comprise complementary fixing means 1910 making it possible to securely fix the base 192 to the closing blade 191, so as to form a complete module which can be assembled on the underwater exploration vehicle 1 during its assembly. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 8 and 9, the fixing means 1910 comprise a plurality of holes 1911 formed on a rear edge of the closing blade 191 and a plurality of lugs 1921 extending projecting from the base 192. Each lug 1921 is configured to forcefully engage in the hole 1911 located opposite it on the closing blade 191.
[0148] The support 190 comprises fixing members 193 making it possible to securely fix the lighting assembly 19 - and in particular its support 190 - on an upper support 190 137 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 serving as a chassis. for said underwater exploration vehicle 1. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 8 and 9, the fixing members 193 take the form of clips which extend projecting from the base 192, relative to the vertical axis Z, so as to be able to collaborate by engagement of complementary shapes with the upper support 190 137 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.
[0149] As visible in [Fig.8], the light source 194 is of the type of a surface light source 194: the light source 194 extends along a transverse axis Y of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 between the lateral faces 102 of the hull 10. In particular, the light source 194 comprises a flexible strip in which a plurality of light-emitting diodes connected to each other by an electronic circuit are housed.
[0150] The flexible strip extends along the front face 106 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, between the two lateral faces 102 of the hull 10 for example, and inside the housing 1912 delimited by the base 192 and the closing blade 191. The strip is advantageously flexible so as to be able to be easily deformed - and shaped in the housing 1912 of the support 190 formed by the base 192 and the closing blade 191 - during the assembly of the lighting assembly 19. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to integrate the light source 194 into any shape of support 190, without curvature constraints in particular, due to the curved shape of the bow 11 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.
[0151] For this purpose, the flexible strip is formed from a material comprising a plastic.
[0152] Preferably, the flexible strip accommodating the light-emitting diodes and the electronic circuit is made watertight. The watertightness is advantageously obtained by embedding the light source 194 and the associated electronic circuit in an adhesive transparent to the light emitted by the light source 194, the light source 194 being embedded in said adhesive. Preferably, the adhesive is of the silicone adhesive type which remains flexible once dried, in order to be able to shape the light source 194 on its support 190, and more particularly on the base 192 whatever its shape. Thus, the light source 194 embedded in the adhesive forms the flexible strip as described above.
[0153] In summary, the invention relates to an underwater exploration vehicle 1 comprising:
[0154] - a shell 10 delimiting an immersion chamber 4;
[0155] - 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;
[0156] - two propulsion units 7 located on either side of the immersion chamber 4 ;
[0157] - a single electric battery 5 electrically coupled to an electric motor 70 of each propulsion unit 7;
[0158] - 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.
[0159] According to the invention, the underwater exploration vehicle 1 comprises a lighting assembly 19 located on the front face 106, the light source 194 of which is mounted in a sealed manner in a non-sealed support 190, and connected to a control unit 6 located at a distance from the light source 194 and its support 190.
[0160] 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 unit (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); - 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); - a lighting assembly (19) located at a bow (11) of said underwater exploration vehicle (1); characterized in that the lighting assembly (19) comprises a light source (194) mounted in a sealed manner in a support (190) and a control unit located at a distance from the light source (194) and connected by wire to said light source (194).
2. Underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the light source (194) is associated in a sealed manner with the support (190), said support (190) itself being non-sealed.
3. Underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the control unit is housed in a waterproof housing, separate from the support (190) for the light source (194).
4. An underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the support (190) of the lighting assembly (19) comprises a base (192) configured to receive the light source (194) and a closing blade (191) configured to mate with the base (192), the light source (194) being housed between the base (192) and the closing blade (191).
5. An underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the closing blade (191) is transparent or translucent to light generated by the light source (194).
6. An underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the base (192) and the closing blade (191) are integrally fixed to each other in a non-sealing manner.
7. An underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the light source (194) is of the type of a surface light source (194), the light source (194) extending along a transverse axis (Y) of the underwater exploration vehicle (1), between the lateral faces (102) of the hull (10).
8. An underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the light source (194) comprises a flexible strip in which a plurality of light-emitting diodes connected together by an electronic circuit are housed, the flexible strip being waterproof.
9. Underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims taken in combination with claim 4, in which the light assembly comprises an overmolding of the light source (194) on the base (192), the overmolding forming a sealed capsule for said light source (194).
10. An underwater exploration vehicle (1) according to claim previous, in which the overmolding comprises a glue transparent to the light emitted by the light source (194), the light source (194) being embedded in said glue.
11. Method for controlling the lighting assembly (19) of the underwater exploration vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one operating parameter of said lighting assembly (19) is controlled from at least one functional parameter of the motor vehicle.
12. Control method according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one operating parameter of the lighting assembly (19) is chosen from: - a flashing frequency of the light source (194); and / or - a cyclic ratio of a flashing of the light source (194); and / or - a color of the light emitted by the light source (194); and / or - a light intensity emitted by the light source (194).
13. Control method according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the at least one functional parameter of the underwater exploration vehicle (1) is chosen from: - a state of charge of the electric battery (5); and / or - a speed of movement of the underwater exploration vehicle (1); and / or - an operating power of the electric motor(s) (70) of the underwater exploration vehicle (1); and / or - a position of the underwater exploration vehicle (1); and / or - a depth of the underwater exploration vehicle (1); and / or - a duration of use of the underwater exploration vehicle (1).
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