Suction force generating device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a suction force generating device for removing material from a submerged surface, the suction force generating device including a housing including a fluid inlet, a suction inlet, and a discharge outlet, the housing defining a cavity therein, the fluid inlet being configurable to direct a supply of fluid into the cavity and establish a flow path from the fluid inlet to the discharge outlet, the flow path extending through the cavity, and fluid flow in the flow path creating a pressure drop at the suction inlet to create fluid flow through the suction inlet and into the flow path, the fluid inlet including an array of multiple inlet fluid ports. The present disclosure further relates to an operating apparatus for the suction force generating device and a method for removing material from a submerged surface.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Technical Field The present disclosure relates to a suction force generating device for removing material from a submerged surface, an operating apparatus for the suction force generating device and a method for removing material from a submerged surface, more particularly to a suction force generating device for removing material from a submerged surface, an operating apparatus for the suction force generating device and a method for removing material from a submerged surface as defined in the introductory parts of claims 1, 14 and 21. [Background technology]

[0002] background Recovery of material from submerged surfaces may be desirable for many reasons. For example, in natural environments, such as undersea environments, it may be undesirable to allow sand, silt, or sediment to build up in certain areas. In other scenarios, such as environmental conservation situations, it may be desirable to remove larger material, such as sea urchins or other aquatic pests, from submerged surfaces or locations.

[0003] In situations where seabed development (e.g., subsea construction) is required, the presence of large amounts of particulate matter, such as sand, can make it more difficult to carry out the desired development, and therefore, removal of the particulate matter is particularly desirable.

[0004] The act of removing material from the water, i.e., dredging, can be performed by any suitable means. For example, with dredging, particulate matter can be physically scooped up or pushed away from the area requiring development. This type of method may require the use of cranes and / or other heavy equipment to scoop or move the particulate matter. While such methods accomplish the goal of removing the particulate matter from the target site, the need for heavy equipment can make the process extremely expensive. Because such heavy equipment is more difficult to use with precision, the dredging process may need to be repeated multiple times until the target site is sufficiently cleared of particulate matter. The use of heavy equipment can also damage the surrounding environment, make subsequent seabed development more difficult, and prevent users from retrieving the particulate matter, even if they wish. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Another dredging method uses suction to remove particulate matter. This method generally involves attaching a suction tube to a container, pumping a fluid containing particulate matter into the container, and depositing the fluid and matter in separate locations. This method is imprecise due to the need for strong suction and can damage the surrounding environment. While this method allows for the removal and recovery of particulate matter, it generates large amounts of water and particulate matter that must be disposed of. Therefore, there is a need for a device that allows for more precise removal and optional recovery of underwater material without the need for heavy machinery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] overview It is an object of the present disclosure to mitigate, alleviate, or eliminate one or more of the above-mentioned shortcomings and disadvantages of the prior art, or to solve at least the above-mentioned problems. According to a first aspect, there is provided a suction-generating device for removing material from a submerged surface, the device comprising: a housing including a fluid inlet, a suction inlet, and a discharge outlet, the housing defining a cavity therein, the fluid inlet being configurable to direct a supply of fluid into the cavity and establish a flow path from the fluid inlet to the discharge outlet, the flow path extending through the cavity, and fluid flow in the flow path generating a pressure drop at the suction inlet to generate fluid flow through the suction inlet and into the flow path, the fluid inlet including an array of multiple inlet fluid ports.

[0007] According to a second example, each of the plurality of inlet fluid ports includes a nozzle for directing fluid into the cavity.

[0008] According to a third example, each of the nozzles is arranged inside a cavity.

[0009] According to a fourth example, the array of inlet fluid ports is a linear array.

[0010] According to a fifth example, the array of inlet fluid ports is a rectangular array.

[0011] According to a sixth example, the suction inlet has an elongated shape.

[0012] According to a seventh example, the suction inlet has a rectangular shape.

[0013] According to an eighth example, the fluid inlet is arranged in or defined by a first wall of the housing, and the suction inlet is arranged in or defined by a second wall of the housing, the first wall extending at a right angle or an oblique angle to the second wall.

[0014] According to a ninth example, the fluid inlet and the suction inlet are located at a first end of the housing, and the exhaust outlet is located at a second end of the housing.

[0015] According to a tenth example, the first end and the second end are opposite ends of the housing.

[0016] According to an eleventh example, the suction inlet includes a lip for directing the flow of fluid into the cavity.

[0017] According to a twelfth example, the fluid inlet directs a supply of fluid away from the suction inlet.

[0018] According to a thirteenth example, it includes a connection point for connection to an operating device.

[0019] According to a second aspect, there is provided an operating apparatus for a suction generating device of the first aspect, the operating apparatus comprising a connection profile for connecting the suction generating device thereto, a fluid supply conduit for supplying fluid to the suction generating device, and a drive mechanism for engaging the submerged surface and propelling the operating apparatus along the submerged surface, the suction generating device being connected to the operating apparatus whereby the suction inlet is positioned adjacent to the submerged surface and is configurable to remove material from the submerged surface through the suction inlet when the drive mechanism propels the operating apparatus along the submerged surface.

[0020] According to a first example of the second aspect, the drive mechanism includes an endless belt.

[0021] According to a second example of the second aspect, the suction inlet of the suction force generating device is positioned to be substantially parallel to the submerged surface.

[0022] According to a third example of the second aspect, the suction inlet is arranged in or on the area facing the submerged surface below the handling device.

[0023] According to a fourth example of the second aspect, the actuation apparatus includes a pump for driving fluid through the fluid inlet of the suction-generating device.

[0024] According to a fifth example of the second aspect, the operating device includes a motor for driving the drive mechanism.

[0025] According to a sixth example of the second aspect, the operation device is remotely operable.

[0026] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method for removing material from a submerged surface, the method comprising: placing a suction generating device on the submerged surface, the suction generating device including a drive mechanism, the drive mechanism being configurable to engage the submerged surface; propelling the suction generating device along the submerged surface; and providing suction via the suction generating device to separate and remove the material from the submerged surface.

[0027] According to a first example of the third aspect, a method includes remotely operating a suction force generating device.

[0028] According to a second example of the third aspect, a method includes providing a flow of fluid to a suction-generating device.

[0029] The present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description set forth below. The detailed description and specific examples disclose preferred embodiments of the present disclosure by way of example only. Those skilled in the art will appreciate from the detailed description that variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] Therefore, it should be understood that the present disclosure disclosed below is not limited to the specific elements of the devices or steps of the methods described, as devices and methods may vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not limiting of the present invention. It should be noted that the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" used in this specification and the appended claims are intended to indicate that there may be one or more elements, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, "a unit" or "the unit" may include several devices, etc. Furthermore, the terms "comprise," "include," "contain," and similar terms do not exclude other elements or steps.

[0031] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above objects and additional objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood by reference to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1A-1C are several perspective views of a suction force generating device. [Figure 2] 1A-1C are several cross-sectional views illustrating a suction force generating device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an operating device incorporating the suction force generating device of FIGS. 1 and 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Detailed Description The present specification provides an improved suction force generating device for removing material from a submerged surface, an operating apparatus for the suction force generating device, and a method for removing material from a submerged surface. According to an example embodiment, a suction force generating device for removing material from a submerged surface is provided, the suction force generating device including a housing including a fluid inlet, a suction inlet, and a discharge outlet, the housing defining a cavity therein, the fluid inlet being configurable to direct a supply of fluid into the cavity and establish a flow path from the fluid inlet to the discharge outlet, the flow path extending through the cavity, and fluid flow in the flow path creating a pressure drop at the suction inlet to create fluid flow through the suction inlet and into the flow path, the fluid inlet including an array of multiple inlet fluid ports.

[0034] In use, the suction generating device can provide a degree of suction while connected to a fluid supply at the fluid inlet. The fluid inlet can be configured to receive a supply of fluid and direct the supplied fluid to the exhaust outlet, thereby defining a flow path between the fluid inlet and the exhaust outlet. The flow path draws fluid into the flow path through the suction inlet by generating suction at the suction inlet through the suction inlet. Having an array of multiple fluid ports helps to evenly distribute the flow of fluid within the flow path, thereby providing an evenly distributed suction force across the area of ​​the suction inlet. The suction generating device can be positioned at or above a submerged surface, and fluid can be supplied to the fluid inlet to generate suction at the suction ports. The suction generated at the suction inlet can then remove and separate material from the submerged surface.

[0035] 1A-1C show various perspective views of an example suction force generating device 10. The suction force generating device 10 includes a fluid inlet and a suction inlet 14 including an array of multiple inlet fluid ports 12. The suction inlet 14 is defined by a housing 16, and the array of fluid ports 12 is disposed on a surface of the housing 16. The housing 16 includes a cavity 18 therein, where the housing includes both an exterior surface and an interior surface, and the interior surface defines the shape of the cavity 18 disposed within the housing 16. Here, the array of inlet fluid ports 12 is disposed on the interior surface of the housing. The placement of the array of inlet fluid ports 12 on the interior surface of the housing may reduce the likelihood of any of the inlet fluid ports 12 being blocked by, for example, particulate matter that the suction force generating device 10 is designed to remove from a submerged surface. The placement of the inlet fluid ports 12 on the interior surface of the housing may also reduce the likelihood of any of the inlet fluid ports 12 being damaged by impact as a result of their proximity to a submerged surface. This is especially true in scenarios where the submerged surface is uneven and / or contains sharp / hard surfaces.

[0036] In this example, suction inlet 14 is elongated and rectangular in shape and extends the entire length of housing 16. However, it should be understood that other shapes of suction inlets are possible, some of which may not extend the entire length of housing 16. For example, suction inlet 14 may be elongated and oval in shape. In another example, suction inlet 14 may be discontinuous (e.g., formed from multiple openings) rather than being one continuous opening in the housing. Such multiple openings may be any desired shape, such as rectangular, polygonal, or circular / oval.

[0037] The suction inlet 14, in this example, additionally includes a lip 28 that protrudes from the exterior surface of the housing 16. The lip may assist in agitating or separating particulate matter disposed on the submerged surface, thereby enhancing the ability of the suction generating device 10 to remove particulate matter from the surface. The lip 28 may also have the effect of directing fluid from a location external to the suction generating device 10, further enhancing the ability of the suction generating device 10 to remove particulate matter from the surface.

[0038] As clearly shown in FIG. 1A , multiple fluid inlet ports 12 are disposed within cavity 18, each of which, in this example, includes a nozzle. The nozzles enable each of the multiple inlet ports 12 to direct a flow of fluid into the cavity, allowing each nozzle to function as a jet nozzle. The nozzles are positioned at each of the inlet ports 12 so that the fluid flow from each is directed in parallel. Having multiple inlet ports 12, each directing a parallel flow of fluid, can enhance the jetting effect of the nozzles by reducing the pressure drop at the suction inlet 14. Furthermore, having multiple nozzles oriented in parallel can result in a synergistic effect, allowing for more efficient use of the fluid source and reduced pressure at the suction inlet 14.

[0039] 1A may be equally spaced to provide a uniform pressure drop across the suction inlet 14. However, in some instances, the inlet ports 12 may have a grouped arrangement (e.g., equally spaced groups of two, three, four, or more ports 12), resulting in a more desirable pressure profile when the suction inlet 14 is comprised of multiple ports.

[0040] 1A is depicted as a linear array, which may help provide a uniform pressure profile (e.g., pressure drop) across the suction inlet 14. However, in another example, the inlet ports 12 may be in the form of a rectangular array, such as a second row of inlet ports 12 positioned adjacent to the row shown to form a rectangular array of inlet ports 12. In some examples, the rectangular array of inlet ports 12 may include three or more rows. Having a rectangular array of inlet ports may increase the level of suction that can be generated at the suction inlet 14 and may also reduce the risk of the suction-generating device 10 becoming inoperable due to blockage of individual inlet ports 12.

[0041] To allow fluid to enter the inlet ports 12, the suction-generating device 10 includes an inlet flow connector 20. In some examples, the inlet flow connector 20 is considered to form part of the suction-generating device 10. The inlet flow connector 20 may assist in directing fluid from a source to the fluid inlet ports 12. The inlet flow connector 20 may assist in directing fluid flow to the inlet ports 12 so that the flow is evenly distributed among each of the inlet ports 12. At least a portion of the inlet flow connector 20 may be in the form of a conduit. In some examples, the inlet flow connector 20 may have a circular cross-section at one end and transition to a rectangular cross-section at the other end. In other examples, the inlet flow connector 20 may have a uniform circular cross-section. In this example, the inlet flow connector 20 is coupled to the housing 16. In some examples, the inlet flow connector 20 is coupled to one or more surfaces (e.g., an exterior surface) of the housing 16. In the example shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the inlet flow connector 20 includes a conduit connection point 22 that allows the inlet flow connector 20 to be connected to a fluid source. The conduit connection point 22 is considered to be located at or toward the proximal end 24 of the suction-generating device 10, while the inlet port 12 is considered to be located toward the distal end of the suction-generating device 10. In this example, the inlet flow connector 20 extends from the proximal end 26 to the distal end and connects to the suction-generating device 10 at the distal end. In some examples, the inlet flow connector 20 can be connected to an outer surface of the suction-generating device 10 where the fluid port 12 is located. The inlet flow connector 20 can optionally be connected to a further outer surface of the housing 16 to provide greater stability to the suction-generating device 10.

[0042] An exhaust outlet 34 is disposed at the proximal end of the suction-generating device 10. A flow path is defined within the housing 16 between the fluid inlet port 12 and the exhaust outlet 34. In use, fluid can enter the flow path from the fluid inlet port 12 and the suction inlet 14 in the direction of the exhaust outlet 34. The exhaust outlet 34 includes an opening defined by the wall of the housing. In some examples, the exhaust outlet 34 can include a single opening within the housing 16, while in other examples, the exhaust outlet can include multiple exhaust outlets. The exhaust outlet 34 allows fluid containing particulate matter that has flowed through the flow path within the cavity 18 to exit the suction-generating device 10. In some examples, the fluid may simply exit the suction-generating device 10 and be deposited immediately thereafter. In other examples, a connecting mechanism, such as a connecting conduit, can be connected to the exhaust outlet 34, and the fluid discharged from the exhaust outlet can be directed to a desired location, which may be, for example, an offshore vessel. The size of the exhaust outlet can vary depending on the size of the desired material to be recovered. For example, if the particulate matter being collected is granular, such as sand, the discharge outlet 34 may not need to be as wide as in other situations, such as when the material being collected is sea urchins or other marine pests.

[0043] Further details of the interior of the distal end 26 of the suction-generating device 10 are shown in FIGS. 2A-2C. A cross-sectional view is now provided so that the interior of the suction-generating device 10 can be seen in greater detail. In this example, the inlet flow connector 20 includes a uniform circular cross-section, which can be considered to be in the form of a conduit cross-section. The inlet flow connector 20 includes a connection 30 to an exterior surface (the upper exterior surface, in use) of the housing 16, which can assist in holding the inlet flow connector 20 in a desired position during use. An inlet manifold 32 is disposed at the fluid inlet and is defined by the housing 16. In this example, the inlet manifold 32 is configured to engage with the inlet flow connector 20 to enable fluid communication between the inlet flow connector 20 and the inlet manifold 32. During operation, the inlet manifold receives fluid flow from the inlet flow connector 20 and directs the fluid flow to the inlet fluid port 12. In some other examples, the inlet flow connector 20 may be directly connected to the inlet fluid ports 12 or may itself include a manifold that distributes fluid flow to the inlet fluid ports 12. In these examples, the manifold may not be located in the housing 16 of the suction-generating device 10 itself, but may be located in the inlet flow connector 20.

[0044] 2A-2C, further details of cavity 18 can be seen. As can be seen, the height and cross-sectional area of ​​cavity 18 increase from the distal end 26 to the proximal end 24 of the cavity. Cavity 18 may therefore be shaped to increase the pressure and decrease the velocity of the fluid flow as it moves from the distal end 26 to the proximal end 24 of the cavity (as the fluid is directed from the distal end to the proximal end by the nozzles of each fluid inlet port 12). In this manner, the geometry of cavity 18 may help maximize the effectiveness of the suction force at suction inlet 14 as suction-generating device 10 is operated.

[0045] As best shown in FIG. 2C , fluid inlets 12 are configured to direct fluid from fluid inlets 12 located at distal end 26 of device 10 toward exhaust outlet 34 located at proximal end 24 of device 10. Suction inlets 14 are located on the underside of device 10, i.e., in this example, at an angle (e.g., 90-180 degrees) relative to the surface on which fluid inlets 12 are located. Nozzles at each fluid inlet port are configured to direct fluid flow away from suction inlets 14 and into cavity 18. In this manner, fluid flowing from the nozzles passes through suction inlets 14 at an oblique angle, helping to reduce pressure at suction inlets 14 while blocking or restricting fluid flow from fluid inlets 12 out of suction inlets 14.

[0046] According to one example embodiment, there is provided an operating apparatus for a suction generating device of the first aspect, comprising a connection profile for connecting the suction generating device thereto, a fluid supply conduit for supplying fluid to the suction generating device, and a drive mechanism for engaging the submerged surface and propelling the operating apparatus along the submerged surface, wherein the suction generating device is connected to the operating apparatus such that the suction inlet is positioned adjacent to the submerged surface, and the operating apparatus is configurable to remove material from the submerged surface through the suction inlet as the drive mechanism propels the operating apparatus along the submerged surface.

[0047] 3 shows an example of an operating apparatus 140 for a suction force generating device 110. Some features described with respect to this example are similar to features described with respect to the examples of Figures 1A-1C and 2A-2C. As such, similar features are given similar reference numbers incremented by 100.

[0048] According to this example, the manipulation device 140 is in the form of a robotic device. The manipulation device 140 includes a drive means, in this example in the form of a motor 142 with a drive mechanism that drives an endless belt 144. The drive mechanism may include a plurality of rollers 146 to support the endless belt 144 as it is driven by the motor 142 to propel the manipulation device 140 along the submerged surface. In some examples, the manipulation device 140 may include multiple sets of endless belts 144 and multiple rollers 146, which may be arranged, for example, so that each of the endless belts 144 extends in parallel (e.g., so that each endless belt is arranged parallel to the other endless belts).

[0049] The rollers 146 may be simple rollers in that they do not have their own driving capabilities, but instead move due to contact with the endless belt 144 driven by the motor 142. In some other examples, the rollers 146 may have additional driving or braking capabilities. As shown in FIG. 3, the rollers are aligned in a generally coplanar manner, where the outer periphery of each roller may be a plane that faces horizontally during operation. In this way, when the driving endless belt 144 contacts the rollers 146, a flat surface (e.g., a flat horizontal surface) is formed not only between the first and last rollers 146 (e.g., the first roller may be located at the left end of FIG. 3 and the last roller may be located at the right end of FIG. 3), but also between each roller.

[0050] To improve grip on the surface, the endless belt 144 may include a surface tread intended for contact with a submerged surface, such as the ground or the ocean floor. The surface is considered to be the outer surface of the endless belt 144.

[0051] Here, motor 142, roller 146, and endless belt 144 are supported by frame 148. The frame further supports protective housing 150. Protective housing 150 may function to protect and / or shield device 140 from foreign objects in the water that may fall onto device 140 or components such as motor 142, frame, or endless belt 144. Protective housing 150 may be positioned to cover the top of device 140. Because what may be the bottom of device 140 is not covered by protective housing 150, roller 146, or at least a portion thereof, and at least a portion of endless belt 144 may extend from the housing and contact a submerged surface.

[0052] With the manipulating device 140 in its in-use orientation, each of the rollers 146 is aligned such that an endless belt 144 is engaged between each of the rollers 146 and the submerged surface. The motor 142 can be configured to engage and drive the endless belt 144 with the manipulating device 140 supported on the submerged surface by the rollers 146 to propel the manipulating device 140 along the submerged surface. Having an endless belt allows the manipulating device 140 to be propelled over a wide variety of surfaces, such as uneven, unstable, sandy, or silty surfaces.

[0053] As described with respect to the previous figures, the suction generating device 110 is coupled to the manipulation apparatus 140. In the intended orientation of the manipulation apparatus 140 and as shown in FIG. 3 , the suction inlet 114 of the suction generating device 110 is positioned such that the area of ​​the suction inlet 114 is configured to be adjacent (e.g., parallel or at an angle less than 90 degrees) to the submerged surface during operation of the apparatus 140. The suction inlet 114 may be positioned such that no portion of the manipulation apparatus is positioned between the suction inlet 114 and the submerged surface. For example, the suction inlet 114 may be positioned to be offset (e.g., laterally offset) from the endless belt 144 so that positioning of the endless belt 144 does not or minimally interferes with operation of the suction generating apparatus 110, or the suction inlet 114 may be positioned in a portion of the apparatus 140 not covered by the protective housing 150 (e.g., the bottom) so that the suction inlet 114 can protrude from the housing 150, thereby allowing the apparatus 140 to more effectively provide suction.

[0054] Although not shown, the apparatus 140 may include a collection pipe or container for collecting the fluid produced from the discharge outlet 134 and any solids (e.g., particulate matter) that may be contained in the fluid. Although not shown, the apparatus 140 may also include a fluid source, such as a source of water (e.g., seawater, fresh water, etc.), attached to the connection point 122 so that the suction-generating device 110 can function as described in the previous figures.

Claims

1. A suction generating device (10) for removing material from a submerged surface, comprising: a housing (16) containing an array of multiple fluid inlet ports (12), a suction inlet (14), and a discharge outlet (34); - said housing has an internal surface defining the shape of a cavity (18) therein; - the plurality of fluid inlet ports (12) are arranged on the inner surface of the housing and are configurable to direct a supply of fluid into the cavity (18) and to establish a flow path from the fluid inlet ports (12) to the discharge outlet (34); - said flow passages extending through said cavity (18) and fluid flow in said flow passages creating a pressure drop at said suction inlet to create a flow of fluid through said suction inlet and into said flow passages; - the suction inlet (14) is one continuous opening in the housing (16); A suction force generating device (10) characterized by:

2. The suction generating device of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of fluid inlet ports (12) includes a nozzle for directing fluid into the cavity (18).

3. The suction force generating device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the array of fluid inlet ports is a linear array.

4. The suction force generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the array of fluid inlet ports is a rectangular array.

5. The suction force generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the suction inlet has an elongated shape.

6. The suction force generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the suction inlet has a rectangular shape.

7. 7. The suction force generating device of claim 1, wherein the fluid inlet port (12) is located in or defined by a first wall of the housing, and the suction inlet (14) is located in or defined by a second wall of the housing, the first wall extending at a right angle or an oblique angle to the second wall.

8. 8. The suction force generating device of claim 1, wherein the fluid inlet and the suction inlet are located at a first end of the housing, and the exhaust outlet is located at a second end of the housing.

9. The suction force generating device of claim 8 , wherein the first end and the second end are opposite ends of the housing.

10. The suction generating device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the suction inlet includes a lip for directing fluid flow into the cavity.

11. A suction generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid inlet directs a supply of fluid away from the suction inlet.

12. The suction force generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a connection point for connection to a handling device.

13. An operating device (140) comprising a suction force generating device (10; 110) according to claim 1, a connection profile for connecting said suction force generating device thereto; a fluid supply conduit for supplying fluid to said suction generating device; - a drive mechanism (142, 144; 146) for engaging a submerged surface and propelling said manipulating device along said submerged surface; - the suction force generating device is connected to the manipulating apparatus, whereby the suction inlet is positioned adjacent to the submerged surface and is configurable to remove material from the submerged surface through the suction inlet when the drive mechanism propels the manipulating apparatus along the submerged surface (140).

14. 14. The operating device of claim 13, wherein the drive mechanism includes an endless belt (144).

15. 15. The operating apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the suction inlet (114) of the suction force generating device is arranged to be substantially parallel to the submerged surface.

16. A handling device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the suction inlet is located in an area facing or on a submerged surface below the handling device.

17. A manipulation apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 16, comprising a pump for driving fluid through the fluid inlet of the suction-generating device.

18. The operating device according to any one of claims 13 to 17, further comprising a motor for driving the drive mechanism.

19. The operating device according to any one of claims 13 to 18, which is remotely operable.

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