Safety device provided with a system for automatically piercing a compressed fluid tank and an inflatable element for free diving and other uses

Abstract

The present invention relates to a safety device for a free diver, comprising at least one actuator and comprising an electronic device powered by an electrical power source, the safety device further comprising an automatic device for piercing a compressed fluid tank, which automatic device is controlled by the electronic device for inflating an inflatable element, the automatic piercing device comprising a motor element (13) and a piercing element (4) configured to generate a first movement for piercing the tank and a second movement for rearming the piercing element (4).

Description

[0001] SAFETY DEVICE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC PUNCTURE SYSTEM FOR A COMPRESSED FLUID TANK AND AN INFLATABLE ELEMENT FOR SPORT FREEDIVING AND OTHER USES

[0002] Scope of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a safety device equipped with an automatic puncture system for compressed fluid reservoirs and an inflatable element for freediving and other uses. The buoyancy of an inflated life jacket allows, if necessary, the user to return to the surface and keeps their airways above water.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Competitive freediving carries a risk of accidents such as drowning. Drowning occurs following a loss of consciousness or sudden illness that prevents the person from keeping their airway above water. An inflatable freediving vest, providing the necessary buoyancy, can help keep the airway above water.

[0006] For this purpose, an inflatable freediving life jacket typically includes a waterproof cavity that is initially empty and must be inflated to provide buoyancy.

[0007] To inflate a safety vest, a reservoir of compressed gas contained in a cylinder sealed with a punctureable cap can be used. A system for piercing the gas cylinder can then be used to initiate inflation.

[0008] A freediving life jacket should allow for inflation in situations where the user is conscious or unconscious. A manual inflation system allows the life jacket to be inflated in immediate response to a user action.

[0009] Drilling systems are available with manual triggering only, automatic triggering only, or both. Systems offering both options combine existing manual triggering solutions with existing automatic triggering solutions.

[0010] There are three types of automatic drilling systems: those triggered by a reaction between a material and water, those triggered by the hydrostatic pressure of water on a mechanism, and those triggered by electronic action. Automatic systems triggered by a reaction between a material and water have several drawbacks:

[0011] - The inflation trigger depends on the degradation time of the stop in contact with the water, which can vary and is not modifiable.

[0012] - Blockage or jamming of the system cannot be detected before use.

[0013] - There is a risk of failure due to humidity under conditions of high temperature and humidity.

[0014] - The components used are often single-use, which necessitates manual replacement of the parts after use.

[0015] - There is a risk of forgetting to replace components of the drilling system after a drilling operation has been triggered.

[0016] Automatic systems triggered by hydrostatic water pressure on a mechanism generally employ a membrane.

[0017] This activated mechanism typically unlocks an element that drives a drilling element which passes through the operculum of a cylinder to release a compressed gas.

[0018] These drilling systems have several drawbacks:

[0019] - The inflation trigger depends on the activation time of the mechanism upon contact with water, which can vary and is not modifiable.

[0020] - Blockage or jamming of the system cannot be detected before use.

[0021] - It is necessary to manually reset the drilling system after a drilling operation has been triggered.

[0022] - There is a risk of forgetting to reset the drilling system after a drilling operation has been triggered.

[0023] Another electronically triggered drilling system involves actuating an electromechanical component that releases a compressed spring in a single-use component.

[0024] The release of the spring causes a drilling element which pierces the seal of a gas cylinder.

[0025] The state of the spring in the single-use component is either locked in compression or released for drilling.

[0026] This drilling system has several drawbacks:

[0027] - Blockages or jamming of the drilling system cannot be detected before use. - The drilling module must be replaced after a drilling operation has been triggered.

[0028] - There is a risk of forgetting to replace or a risk of incorrect installation of the new drilling module after a drilling operation has been triggered.

[0029] Another electronically triggered drilling system involves activating a drilling element solely by the action of a geared motor.

[0030] The torque delivered by the rotation of the geared motor shaft is transformed into linear motion by means of a screw and nut system. The drilling element can thus pierce the gas cylinder seal.

[0031] This drilling system has the following disadvantages:

[0032] - Drilling time is important due to the slow feed rate of the drilling element. The force delivered by the drilling element decreases as its feed rate increases. Using a geared motor necessitates a slow feed rate of the drilling element to deliver sufficient drilling force.

[0033] - Furthermore, the energy required sometimes necessitates oversizing the drive unit to ensure that the drilling is completed.

[0034] Summary of the invention

[0035] The present invention aims in particular to avoid the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0036] For this purpose, it offers an automatic drilling device designed for inflating a safety vest for freediving or other purposes, including in particular a drilling element driven in two directions.

[0037] According to one aspect, the invention relates to a rescue device for freedivers comprising at least one actuator and comprising an electronic device powered by an electrical power source, said rescue device further comprising an automatic device for drilling a reservoir of a compressed fluid controlled by the electronic device for the inflation of an inflatable element, said automatic drilling device comprising a motor element and a drilling element configured to generate a first movement for drilling the reservoir and a second movement for resetting said drilling element.

[0038] In one example, this drive is achieved by coupling a geared motor and a spring. One advantage of this automatic drilling system is that by combining the torque of the geared motor with the force of the spring, the drilling time is shorter than when the geared motor alone is used.

[0039] Furthermore, by using the coupling of the geared motor with the spring to drive a drilling punch, it is possible to automatically check at each use that the drilling device is neither seized nor blocked, without piercing the seal of the gas cylinder.

[0040] The user can use this drilling device without having to replace any single-use components after drilling, other than the used gas cylinder, and without having to manually reset the device that has been triggered.

[0041] The user programs the drilling system to allow automatic inflation of the safety vest, particularly in a situation where the user is unconscious.

[0042] The safety device according to the invention may include one or more of the following features which may be combined with each other.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the safety device includes an attachment intended to secure the inflatable element to the body of an individual.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the drive element comprises a geared motor configured to drive the drilling element in two directions.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the automatic drilling device includes a spring to exert a restoring force on the drilling element and in that the geared motor is configured to drive the drilling element in two directions by coupling a geared motor and a spring.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the coupling of the geared motor and the spring is carried out in the same axis.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the drilling element is a drilling screw, said drilling screw being associated with a push nut driven by the geared motor coupled to the spring.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the coupling of a geared motor and a spring is achieved by positioning the spring between a guide washer of a threaded drilling component and a push nut.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the screw and nut can be used either as a transmission element coupled to the geared motor exerting the thrust, or as an element driving a drilling punch.

[0050] In one embodiment, a drilling punch separate from the drilling component, such as a screw or drill nut, allows for the addition of a manual drilling function to the device. In another embodiment, the automatic drilling device comprises, on the one hand, transmission components arranged to reduce friction on the drilling element and, on the other hand, alignment components that ensure linear guidance of the drilling element and minimize radial stress on the drive element.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the components of the automatic drilling device are made by machining and molding stainless materials.

[0052] In one embodiment, the automatic drilling device is automatically controlled at each use by actuation of the device without drilling into the compressed fluid reservoir. The stroke of the drilling element is shorter in this case than the stroke of the drilling element that would cause a perforation of the compressed fluid reservoir. An advantage is that it allows for rapid testing of the device and its actuation mechanism without drilling into the reservoir.

[0053] In one embodiment, the safety device includes a first actuator comprising a push element that automatically generates an electronic command, upon actuation, to the motor to actuate the drilling element. An advantage is having an easily accessible actuator for reassembly in case of emergency.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the safety device includes a second actuator comprising a pusher element enabling automatic generation of an electronic command to the motor to actuate the drilling element after the elapsed of a predefined period following the actuation of the second actuator.

[0055] One advantage is the ability to activate an automatic, preset inflation function from an actuator accessible once in the water.

[0056] In one embodiment, a long press on the second actuator deactivates the flow of the predefined duration for the actuation of the drilling element. An advantage is the ease with which the automatic triggering function can be configured and deactivated.

[0057] In one embodiment, the safety device includes a pressure sensor and a computer configured to automatically generate an electronic command to the motor to actuate the drilling element when the measured pressure exceeds a predefined pressure threshold. In another embodiment, the safety device includes an interface for setting the predefined duration and / or the predefined pressure threshold.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the attachment is a life jacket or an inflatable neck cushion or a diving suit having a pocket.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the first actuator and / or the second actuator are arranged on the electronic device.

[0060] Brief description of the drawings

[0061] The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become more apparent upon reading the description given below by way of purely illustrative and non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0062] ■ Figure 1 represents a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the device according to the present invention.

[0063] ■ Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the present invention

[0064] ■ Figure 3 shows a detailed view of the screw-type drilling component 27, the spring 10, the transmission components 24 and 26, the guide components 7, and the push nut 5

[0065] ■ Figure 4 shows a top view of the device

[0066] ■ Figure 5 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the body

[0067] ■ Figure 6 represents a variant of the drilling device in a second embodiment where the functions of the screw and the push nut are reversed.

[0068] ■ Figure 7 shows a variant of the drilling device in a third embodiment incorporating a manual drilling solution in addition to the automatic drilling system

[0069] ■ Figure 8 illustrates, in block diagram form, the different constituent elements of a safety vest according to the invention.

[0070] ■ Figure 9 illustrates a method for controlling the drilling device.

[0071] ■ Figure 10 schematically illustrates a control unit of the drilling device.

[0072] Description of the implementation methods

[0073] To simplify the description, we will only refer to an inflatable life jacket for freediving, but this could include other objects that need to be filled with gas. A "freediving safety device" is therefore understood to be a device that allows the inflation of a flotation device, whether it be a device for a freediver, a life raft, or any other application where buoyancy is desirable.

[0074] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, it can be seen that, according to one embodiment of the invention, a drilling device for inflating a freediving life jacket according to the present invention comprises a body 1 containing a screw-type drilling component 27, a push nut 5, a spring 10, guide elements 7, transmission elements 23, 24, 25, 26, a sealing component 8, and fastening components 11, 12. A sealed pneumatic component 14, through which the gas is evacuated during drilling, is assembled to the body 1. The device also comprises, external to the body 1, a motor support 3, a motor element 13—for example, a geared motor 13—a motor cover 2, a cable gland 15, sealing components 22, and fastening components 18.Referring to Figures 1, 3, and 4, the body 1 of the device has at its lower end a tapped countersunk hole for screwing a reservoir—possibly of the cylindrical type—of compressed gas (or other fluid) 17 against a sealing component—in this case, a flat sealing gasket 8. The interior of the body 1 has a main cavity opening onto the lower part through a tapped countersunk hole and onto the upper part through an opening for receiving the screw-type drilling component 27, a push nut 5, a spring 10, guide elements 7, and transmission elements 23, 24, 25, 26. By way of non-limiting example, at least one of the guide elements may be a shoulder washer 7.

[0075] According to one example, this cavity has a flat section, as shown in Figure 4, which serves as a stop for the guide washer 6 of the screw-type drilling component 27, preventing its rotation and guiding the screw-type drilling component 27 in a linear movement when it is actuated by the rotation of the push nut 5 driven under the combined effect of the geared motor 13 and the spring 10.

[0076] The screw-type drilling component 27, under the action of the drive element 13 (for example, the geared motor 13), advances towards the reservoir 17 – possibly until it drills through the reservoir 17 – when the drive element 13 is actuated in a first direction, and recoils from the reservoir 17 when the drive element 13 is actuated in a second direction. The geared motor 13 can be generally cylindrical in shape, extending axially along an axis of rotation of an output shaft of the geared motor 13. The axis of rotation 9 is visible in Figure 2.

[0077] The spring 10 can be arranged substantially concentrically around an axis of rotation of the push nut 5, the axis of rotation 9 of the output shaft of the geared motor 13, and / or on the cylindrical axis of the geared motor 13. A third needle cage 23 is interposed between a fourth stop 26, arranged on the push nut 5 and a fifth stop 26, arranged on the motor support 3 to facilitate the rotation of the push nut 5 relative to the body 1 and / or the motor support 3.

[0078] According to one example, a second transverse cavity in the body of the punch allows the evacuation of the compressed gas released during drilling, this opens on one side into the first cavity at the level of the punch of the screw-type drilling component 27 and opens on the other side outside the body through a tapped hole allowing the airtight attachment of a pneumatic component 14 to evacuate the gas from the body 1 and / or distribute the air passing through the body 1.

[0079] According to an example shown in Figure 4, two tapped holes on the outside of the body allow the complete assembled drilling system to be fixed by screws 19.

[0080] Figure 2 shows an example of a screw-type drilling component 27 which includes a screw 4, called the drilling screw 4, to which is assembled a guide washer 6 fixed with a fixing nut 11. The drilling screw 4 has on one side of the guide washer 6 a threaded section which can be engaged in a push nut 5 and on the other side of the guide washer 6, an unthreaded section with a groove in which a sealing O-ring 21 is placed and terminated by a punch.

[0081] Referring to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a motor support flange 3, to which the geared motor 13 is attached on one side by two screws 20, has on the other side an assembly of a thrust washer 26 and a needle bearing 23. The push nut 5, which engages with the shaft of the geared motor 13 passing through these components, makes contact with this bearing. An O-ring 22 is placed in a groove and provides a seal between the motor support flange 3 and the body 1.

[0082] Referring to the embodiment examples described in Figures 1, 2, and 4, an O-ring 22 is placed in a groove in the motor cover 2. This O-ring 22 provides a seal between the motor cover 2 and the motor support flange 3. A cable gland 15 is assembled in the upper part of the motor cover 2. This cable gland 15 seals the passage of the electrical cable 16 for powering the geared motor 13. The motor cover 2 is fixed to the body 1 by four screws 18, passing through the motor support flange 3 via four holes located outside the sealing O-rings 22 of the motor cover 2 and the motor support flange 3.

[0083] Referring to the example of the embodiment in Figure 1, an assembly of a spring 10, stops 25, needle cages 24 and shoulder washers 7 is placed between the push nut 5 and the guide washer 6. This keeps the spring 10 compressed around the screw 4 when the geared motor 13 is stopped.

[0084] A first needle cage 24 is arranged near the push nut 5 to facilitate the rotation of the latter under the action of the output shaft of the geared motor 13 relative to the spring 10 and / or relative to the screw-type drilling component 27. The first needle cage 24 is arranged around the screw-type drilling component 27.

[0085] The first needle cage 24 is interposed between a first stop 25, positioned against the push nut 5, and a first shouldered washer 7.

[0086] Typically, the shoulder washer 7 is a hollow cylinder with open axial faces, terminating in a circular flange extending radially from the hollow cylinder away from its longitudinal axis. The flange of the first shoulder washer 7 is positioned on the first needle cage 24, such that the hollow cylinder of the first shoulder washer extends away from the push nut 5.

[0087] A first axial end of the spring 10 is arranged around the hollow cylinder of the first shoulder washer 7 and comes into contact with the flange of the first shoulder washer.

[0088] A second shouldered washer 7, located near the screw-type drilling component 27, is similarly arranged with respect to a second axial end of the spring 10.

[0089] The second shouldered washer 7 is arranged around the screw-type drilling component 27, with its hollow cylinder extending from its flange to the push nut 5.

[0090] The spring 10 is limited in its radial translational mobility relative to the axes of the hollow cylinders of the shoulder washers 7, and captive in translation over an area defined by the flanges of the shoulder washers 7.

[0091] A second needle cage 24, to facilitate the possible rotation of the spring relative to the screw-type drilling component 27, is arranged on the flange of the second shoulder washer 7. The second needle cage 24 is interposed between this flange and a second stop 25, arranged on the guide washer 6 of the screw-type drilling component 27.

[0092] Referring to the embodiment examples in Figures 1 and 2, the screw-type drilling component 27 is driven by the rotation of a push nut 5, which is coupled to the shaft of the geared motor 13. The extension of the spring 5 accompanies the advance of the screw-type drilling component 27. Rotating the push nut 5 in the opposite direction compresses the spring 10, which accompanies the recoil of the screw-type drilling component 27 to its stop. When the screw-type drilling component 27 is in the cocked position, the spring 10 is compressed relative to its rest position. The spring 10 extends as the screw-type drilling component 27 advances towards the reservoir 17 and is further compressed as the screw-type drilling component 27 recoils from the reservoir.By rotating the drive element 13 so as to move the screw-type drilling component 27 back from the reservoir 17, energy is stored in the spring 10, which can then be released by operating the motor to move the screw-type drilling component 27 forward towards the reservoir to complete the work of the drive element 13.

[0093] According to one embodiment, an electronic control, monitoring and power supply module remotely connected to the drilling system by an electrical cable 16 allows the geared motor 13 to be operated in the various drilling and control operations of the drilling system.

[0094] In a second embodiment shown in Figure 6, the functions of the screw-type drilling component 27 and the push nut 5 are reversed. Thus, a push screw 28 is driven in rotation by the geared motor 13 via a coupling piece 29. Screws 35 and 36 are provided to fix the coupling piece 29 to the output shaft of the geared motor 13. The rotation of the coupling piece 29 and the push screw 28 causes the linear movement of a drilling element of the drill nut type 30, consisting of a movable push nut guided against a stop by the body 1 and ending in a drill punch also guided by the body 1. Coupling with the spring 10 is achieved by the pre-stressed assembly of the spring 10, the guide elements 7, and the transmission elements 24, 25, around the push screw 28, between the drill nut 30 and the coupling piece 29.

[0095] The first needle cage 24 is positioned near the push screw 28 to facilitate the rotation of the coupling piece 29 relative to the drill nut 30 and / or the spring 10. The first stop is positioned against the coupling piece 29. The second needle cage 24 is positioned near the drill nut 30. The second stop is positioned against the drill nut 30, and the hollow cylinders of the shoulder washers 7 are positioned around the push screw 28. The third needle cage 23, which facilitates the rotation of the coupling piece 29 relative to the body 1 and / or the motor support 3, is interposed between the fourth stop 26, positioned on the coupling piece 29, and the fifth stop 26, positioned on the motor support 3.

[0096] The drilling component of the drilling nut type 30, under the action of the driving element 13 (for example the geared motor 13), advances towards the reservoir 17 - possibly until it drills the reservoir 17 - when the driving element 13 is actuated in a first direction, and moves back from the reservoir 17 when the driving element 13 is actuated in a second direction.

[0097] The spring 10 can be arranged substantially concentrically around an axis of rotation of the push screw 28, the axis of rotation of the output shaft of the geared motor 13, and / or the cylindrical axis of the geared motor 13.

[0098] When the drill nut 30 is in the cocked position, the spring 10 is compressed relative to its rest position. The spring 10 relaxes as the drill nut 30 moves toward the reservoir 17, and compresses further as the drill nut 30 moves away from the reservoir. By rotating the drive element 13 to move the drill nut 30 away from the reservoir 17, energy is stored in the spring 10, which can then be released by driving the motor to move the drill nut 30 toward the reservoir to complete the work of the drive element 13.

[0099] The spring 10 and the geared motor 13 are chosen such that the spring 10 is unable to rotate a rotor of the geared motor 13 when the drilling component—whether a screw 27 or a drill nut 30—is in the armed position and the geared motor 13 is at rest. By way of non-limiting example, the geared motor 13 and the spring are chosen such that, when the drilling component is in contact with the reservoir, the sum of the force generated by the geared motor 13 to advance the drilling component and the force exerted by the spring 10 is equal to or greater than 260 Newtons.

[0100] The axis of rotation of the push screw 28 (or of the push nut 5 where applicable) is coincident with the same axis 9 which may itself coincide with the axis of rotation of the output shaft of the motor element (gear motor) 13. The spring 10 extends axially along this axis 9, and is arranged around it.

[0101] In a third embodiment, a manual drilling triggering mechanism is added in addition to the automatic triggering mechanism. This requires the use of a free punch 33, which is separate from the drilling element. A lever 32 fixed to a shaft 34 in the modified body 31 allows manual actuation of the punch. The free punch 33 is guided by the cavity in the body 31 by the action of the lever 32. The lever 32, fixed to the body 31, bears against the free punch 33 and does not interfere with the other components of the automatic system. Actuating the lever 32 drives the free punch through the opening that allows the compressed gas to escape.

[0102] A problem with the jamming or seizing of the drilling mechanism is related to the use of a drilling system in a corrosive environment. In such an environment, the mechanism can cause the components of the system to seize or jam. To address this problem, the mechanism of the invention includes components made of corrosion-resistant materials. Furthermore, the mechanism of the invention allows the components to be kept within a sealed enclosure.

[0103] Finally, in one embodiment, the electronic control module detects abnormal current consumption corresponding to a blockage or seizing of the system. This electronic control, performed automatically at the start of each use and during operation, does not require drilling a cylinder but only the automatic activation of all moving parts of the drilling system. It detects a malfunction, seizing, or blockage of the drilling system at the beginning of each use and notifies the user.

[0104] One identified problem addressed by the present invention is the low or insufficient drilling speed of the compressed gas cylinder. Indeed, using a geared motor alone provides limited drilling force and punch feed speed. It is advantageous to minimize the drilling time when the drilling command is activated. This saves precious seconds during the inflation of the life jacket, potentially saving a life.

[0105] To this end, according to one embodiment, the invention includes means for significantly increasing the force generated by the punch and increasing its feed rate. For this purpose, the present invention allows the coupling of a pre-stressed spring with a geared motor such that the performance of the drilling system is increased.

[0106] Figure 8 illustrates, by way of non-limiting example, elements of a flotation device incorporating the safety device 100. The safety device 100 may include a control unit 160 for controlling the movement of the drilling component 4, 27, 30, 33 under the action of the drive element 13 / geared motor 13. The control unit 160 includes an electronic device 110 (for example, an electronic board 110) for generating at least one signal to drive, or even rotate, the drive element 13, in response to an input signal. The input signal may be generated by a user and / or by an environmental phenomenon. By way of non-limiting example, at least one signal to drive / turn the drive element 13 may be for the purpose of controlling the drilling device, drilling the tank 17, arming / rearming the drilling component 4, 27, 30, 33.

[0107] Figure 9 illustrates, by way of non-limiting example, a method for controlling the drilling device. A user—possibly the one wearing a flotation device including the drilling device—activates A1, a user interface 170 of the control unit 160, to initiate the control method. The control unit 160 then sends E1 a first signal to move the drilling component 4, 27, 30, 33 from its armed position, followed by a second signal E2 to return the drilling component 4, 27, 30, 33 to the armed position.

[0108] As an option, the first signal is to advance the drilling component 4, 27, 30, 33 from the armed position towards the tank 17, by a distance less than what is needed to penetrate, or even less than what is needed to make contact with the tank 17. As a first alternative, the first signal is to move the drilling component 4, 27, 30, 33 backward from the armed position away from the tank 17. As a second alternative, the first signal is to initiate a series of movements of the drilling component 4, 27, 30, 33, including an advance movement by a distance from the armed position less than what is needed to penetrate / make contact with the tank 17 and a recoil movement from the armed position, before or after the advance movement.

[0109] Figure 10 schematically illustrates control unit 160 visible in figure 8.

[0110] By way of non-limiting example, the control unit includes a user interface 170 and / or one or more sensors 180 connected to the electronic device 110.

[0111] The user interface 170 can allow a user to launch the control process detailed above, and / or to launch - and possibly select beforehand - an operating mode of the safety device 100, using one or more electronically controlled buttons.

[0112] For example, the user interface 170 includes a first push button 171, the activation of which triggers the start of the control process.

[0113] In addition or as an alternative, the user interface 170 includes a second push button 172, the activation of which initiates a drilling procedure. By way of non-limiting example, this is a delayed drilling procedure, where the drive element 13 is activated after a predefined period has elapsed (for example, a period corresponding to the estimated time for a successful dive, beyond which a diver's health and / or life may be endangered) from the activation of the second push button 172, to drill the tank 17. Optionally, the user interface 170 includes at least a third push button 173 to allow a user to define the duration of the predefined period.In addition or alternative, delayed drilling can be cancelled by activating one and / or the other of the second push button 172 and at least the third push button 173 for a predetermined duration (e.g. equal to or greater than 2 seconds) during the predefined period.

[0114] In addition or as an alternative, the user interface 170 includes a fourth push button 174, the activation of which initiates an immediate drilling mode. This is a drilling mode in which the drive element 13 is activated to drill the tank 17 without waiting for a predefined period to elapse. Optionally, the user interface 170 allows the user to stop—and / or change—the operating mode. For example, activating the fourth push button 174 can initiate immediate drilling, even during the inspection process and / or during the predefined period of delayed drilling. The control unit 160 may include at least one pressure sensor 180 to detect ambient pressure around the safety device 100. By way of non-limiting example, the control unit 160 can be configured to activate the drive element 13 to drill the tank 17 when the ambient pressure exceeds a predefined threshold.

[0115] Optionally, a parameter setting interface 190, part of the user interface 170, allows setting the predefined pressure threshold and / or the duration of the predetermined period. The parameter setting interface may include at least a third push button 173 and / or a fifth button 175 for setting the pressure threshold. List of reference symbols:

[0116] 1: Body

[0117] 2: Engine hood

[0118] 3: Engine mount

[0119] 4: Drilling screw

[0120] 5: Push nut

[0121] 6: Guide washer

[0122] 7: Shoulder washer

[0123] 8: Sealing gasket

[0124] 9: Drilling device axis

[0125] 10: Spring

[0126] 11: Fixing nut

[0127] 12: Headless screw

[0128] 13: Geared motor

[0129] 14: Pneumatic component

[0130] 15: Cable gland

[0131] 16: Electrical cable

[0132] 17, 130: Compressed fluid reservoir

[0133] 18: Engine hood screw

[0134] 19: Body screw: Gearmotor screw: Punch seal: Body seal: Needle cage located between the motor support and the nut: Needle cage supporting the spring: Stop for the needle cage supporting the spring: Stop for the needle cage located between the support and the nut: Screw-type drilling component: Push screw: Coupling piece: Drill nut: Modified body: Lever: Free punch: Lever shaft: Safety device: Electronic board: Automatic drilling device

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Safety device (100) for freediver comprising at least one actuator and comprising an electronic device (110) powered by an electrical power source, said safety device further comprising an automatic piercing device (120) of a reservoir of a compressed fluid (130) controlled by the electronic device (110) for the inflation of an inflatable element (140), said automatic piercing device (120) comprising a piercing element (4) and a motor element (13) configured to generate a first movement for piercing the reservoir and a second movement for resetting said piercing element (4).

2. Safety device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an attachment (150) intended to secure the inflatable element (140) to the body of an individual.

3. Safety device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive element (13) comprises a geared motor configured to drive the drilling element (4) in two directions.

4. Safety device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the automatic drilling device (120) includes a spring (10) for exerting a force on the drilling element (4) and in that the geared motor is configured to drive the drilling element (4) in two directions by coupling a geared motor (13) and a spring (10).

5. Safety device (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that the coupling of the geared motor (13) and the spring (10) is carried out in the same axis.

6. Safety device (100) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the drilling element is a drilling screw (4), said drilling screw (4) being associated with a push nut (5) driven by the geared motor (13) coupled to the spring (10).

7. Safety device (100) according to any one of claims 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that the coupling of a geared motor (13) and a spring (10) is achieved by positioning the spring (10) between a guide washer (6) of a threaded drilling component (27) and a push nut (5).

8. Safety device (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that a screw and a nut can be used either as a transmission element coupled to the geared motor exerting the thrust (5, 29), or as an element driving a drilling punch (27, 30).

9. Safety device (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that a drilling punch (33) separated from the screw-type drilling component (27) or the drilling nut (30) allows a manual drilling function to be added to the device.

10. Safety device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the automatic drilling device (120) comprises on the one hand transmission components (23, 24, 25, 26) arranged to reduce the friction of the drilling element (4) and on the other hand alignment components (7) which ensure the linear guidance of the drilling element (4) and minimize the radial stress of the driving element (13).

11. Safety device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the components of the automatic drilling device (120) are made by machining and molding stainless materials.

12. Safety device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the automatic drilling device (120) is automatically controlled at each use by means of the actuation of the device without drilling of the compressed fluid reservoir (130), the stroke of the drilling element (4) being less in this case than the stroke of the drilling element (4) causing a drilling of said compressed fluid reservoir (130).

13. Safety device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a first actuator comprising a push element enabling automatic generation of an electronic command following its actuation towards the motor to actuate the drilling element (4).

14. Safety device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises a second actuator including a pusher element enabling automatic generation of an electronic command to the motor to actuate the drilling element (4) after the elapsed of a predefined consecutive time of actuation of the second actuator.

15. Safety device (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that a pressure of a duration equal to or greater than 2 seconds on the second actuator causes the deactivation of the flow of the predefined duration for the actuation of the drilling element (4).

16. Safety device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a pressure probe and a computer configured to automatically generate an electronic command to the motor to actuate the drilling element (4) when an ambient pressure measured by the safety device exceeds a predefined pressure threshold.

17. Safety device (100) according to any one of claims 14 or 15 taken in combination with claim 16, characterized in that it comprises an interface for setting the predefined duration and / or the predefined pressure threshold.

18. Safety device (100) according to claim 2 or any one of claims 3 to 15 taken in combination with claim 2, characterized in that the attachment is a life jacket or an inflatable neck cushion or a diving suit comprising a pocket.

19. Safety device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 taken in combination with claims 13 and 14, characterized in that the first actuator and / or the second actuator are arranged on the electronic device (110).

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