UNDERWATER EXPLORATION VEHICLE

Abstract

The invention concerns an underwater exploration vehicle comprising a hull delimiting an immersion chamber, a plurality of orifices arranged on the hull, each orifice being in fluid communication with the environment external to the underwater exploration vehicle and being fluidically coupled with the immersion chamber, two propulsion assemblies located on either side of the immersion chamber, a single electric battery electrically coupled to an electric motor of each propulsion assembly, a control unit electrically connected to the electric battery and to each propulsion assembly, so as to drive said electric battery and the propulsion assemblies. According to the invention, the orifices are configured to prevent water flow into the immersion chamber when the underwater exploration vehicle is moving on the water surface or in the water

Claims

1. Assembly method of an underwater exploration vehicle, the assembly method comprising the following steps: a step of fixing at least one hull element forming an upper face of a hull of the underwater exploration vehicle to an upper support of said underwater exploration vehicle; a step for connecting a lower support of the underwater exploration vehicle to the upper support; a step for assembling several components of the underwater exploration vehicle on the lower support; and a step of attaching at least one hull element forming a lower face of the hull of the underwater exploration vehicle.

2. Assembly method according to claim 1, in which the fixing step comprises the assembly of several hull elements forming the upper face of the underwater exploration vehicle, the upper support comprising fixing lugs to which said hull elements are fixed integrally.

3. Assembly method according to claim 2, wherein the hull elements comprise shoulder edges configured to allow adjustment of the hull elements between them and at least one fastening flange for connecting two adjacent hull elements along their respective shoulder edges, the fixing step comprising a step of fitting the hull elements together along their shoulder edges, and a step of anchoring the two adjacent hull elements by means of the at least one fixing flange.

4. Underwater exploration vehicle assembled according to the assembly method of claim 1, the underwater exploration vehicle comprising: a hull delimiting an interior volume for the underwater exploration vehicle; a plurality of orifices arranged on the hull, each orifice being in fluid communication with the environment outside the underwater exploration vehicle and being fluidically coupled with an immersion chamber housed in the hull; at least one propulsion assembly comprising an electric motor configured to generate driving torque on a drive shaft and a propeller rotatably coupled to the drive shaft, the at least one propulsion assembly being housed in the interior volume, part of the drive 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 outside the underwater exploration vehicle via an inlet opening and an outlet opening provided on the hull; an electric battery electrically coupled to the electric motor of each at least one propulsion assembly, the electric battery being housed in the interior of the hull; 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; and a control screen electrically connected to the control unit and configured to display functional parameters of the underwater exploration vehicle, said control screen being housed at a concavity of a upper face of the hull, the at least one propulsion assembly, the electric battery, the control unit and the control screen forming components of the underwater exploration vehicle.

5. Underwater exploration vehicle according to claim 4, in which all the orifices are located outside a front part and a rear part of the underwater exploration vehicle.

6. Underwater exploration vehicle according to claim 4, wherein none of the orifices has an opening surface perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle corresponding to a direction of travel in the water.

7. Underwater exploration vehicle according to claim 4, in which the orifices comprise first orifices located on a lower face of the hull of the underwater exploration vehicle, an axis perpendicular to the opening surface of the first orifices being oriented or substantially oriented along the vertical axis of the underwater exploration vehicle.

8. Underwater exploration vehicle according to claim 7, in which the first orifices comprise a plurality of oblong slots which all extend along the longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle and parallel to one another, the oblong slots being located adjacent to one another relative to a transverse axis of said underwater exploration vehicle, the oblong slots extending along the longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle and parallel to one another, the oblong slots being located adjacent to one another relative to a transverse axis of said underwater exploration vehicle, the oblong slots extending aft of a front edge of the battery and forward of the propeller of the at least one propulsion assembly, relative to the longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle.

9. Underwater exploration vehicle according to claim 4, in which the orifices comprise second orifices located on an upper face of the hull of the underwater exploration vehicle, an axis perpendicular to the opening surface of the second orifices being oriented or substantially oriented along the vertical axis of the underwater exploration vehicle.

10. Underwater exploration vehicle according to claim 9, in which the second orifices comprise a plurality of slots which all extend along the transverse axis of the underwater exploration vehicle and parallel to one another, the slots being located adjacent to one another, relative to a longitudinal axis of said underwater exploration vehicle, the slots forming the second orifices extending plumb with the oblong slots forming the first orifices.

11. Underwater exploration vehicle according to claim 10, in which the slots forming the second orifices extend at a region of the upper face of the hull located between the battery and the control unit, relative to the longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle.

12. Underwater exploration vehicle according to claim 4, in which the orifices comprise third orifices located on lateral faces of the hull of the underwater exploration vehicle, an axis perpendicular to the opening surface of the third orifices being oriented or substantially oriented along the transverse axis of the underwater exploration vehicle.

13. Underwater exploration vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the underwater exploration vehicle comprises: control handles located on either side of the lateral faces of the hull, the third orifices being located at said control handles relative to the longitudinal axis; and at a portion of each lateral face facing the electric battery, a depression forming a concave surface, each control handle extending opposite and at a distance from the corresponding depression, the third orifices being formed on each concavity, at or behind the control handles, relative to the longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle.

14. Underwater exploration vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the third orifices comprise a plurality of holes which all extend along the vertical axis of the underwater exploration vehicle and parallel to one another, the holes being located adjacent to one another, relative to a vertical axis of said underwater exploration vehicle, each lateral face of the hull on which the third orifices are arranged comprising deflectors which project from said lateral face, each deflector being associated with one of the holes forming the third orifices, the deflectors being configured to prevent a flow of water into the holes forming said third orifices and, a contrario, to generate a flow tangential to said holes.

Description

[0081] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, on the one hand, and from a number of illustrative and non-limiting embodiments with reference to the attached schematic drawings, on the other hand, on which:

[0082] FIG. 1 illustrates a synoptic view of the assembly process according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0083] FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed view of a first step of an example of an underwater exploration vehicle conforming to the second aspect of the invention and being assembled according to the assembly process illustrated on FIG. 1;

[0084] FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed view of a first step of an example of an underwater exploration vehicle conforming to the second aspect of the invention and being assembled according to the assembly process illustrated on FIG. 1;

[0085] FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view of a second step of an example of an underwater exploration vehicle conforming to the second aspect of the invention and being assembled according to the assembly process illustrated on FIG. 1;

[0086] FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed view of a third step of an example of an underwater exploration vehicle conforming to the second aspect of the invention and being assembled according to the assembly process illustrated on FIG. 1;

[0087] FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed view of a third step of an example of an underwater exploration vehicle conforming to the second aspect of the invention and being assembled according to the assembly process illustrated on FIG. 1;

[0088] FIG. 7 illustrates a detailed view of a fourth step of an example of an underwater exploration vehicle conforming to the second aspect of the invention and being assembled according to the assembly process illustrated on FIG. 1;

[0089] FIG. 8 illustrates a front perspective view of an example of an underwater exploration vehicle conforming to the second aspect of the invention and as assembled according to the assembly process illustrated on FIGS. 1 to 7;

[0090] FIG. 9 shows a perspective and rear view of the underwater exploration vehicle illustrated on FIG. 8;

[0091] FIG. 10 shows a top view of the underwater exploration vehicle shown in FIG. 8;

[0092] FIG. 11 shows a bottom view of the underwater exploration vehicle shown in FIG. 8;

[0093] FIG. 12 shows a longitudinal section and side view of the underwater exploration vehicle shown in FIG. 8;

[0094] FIG. 13 shows a longitudinal section and top view of the underwater exploration vehicle shown in FIG. 8;

[0095] FIG. 14 illustrates a front view of the underwater exploration vehicle illustrated in FIG. 8;

[0096] FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded view of a lighting assembly embedded on the underwater exploration vehicle illustrated in FIG. 8;

[0097] FIG. 16 illustrates a detailed view of the lighting assembly embedded on the underwater exploration vehicle illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0098] Of course, the features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be associated with one another in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, it will be possible to imagine variants of the invention comprising only a selection of features described hereinafter 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.

[0099] In particular, all the variants and embodiments described can be combined with one another, provided there are no technical obstacles to such combination.

[0100] In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0101] In the FIGURES described below, a longitudinal axis X, a lateral axis and a vertical axis Z are defined in relation to the underwater exploration vehicle 1 according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0102] More particularly, the transverse axis Y is understood as a direction taken between one 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 as a direction extending 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.

[0103] Furthermore, the longitudinal axis X extends as taken along a direction that extends from front to back or 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 an axis of propulsion of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 when 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.

[0104] Finally, the vertical axis Z is understood to be taken along an axis which extends from a lower face 108 to 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 Z axis.

[0105] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, the invention addresses an assembly process 30 of an underwater exploration vehicle 1, the assembly process 30 comprising the following steps: [0106] a step 31 of fixing at least one hull element 132 forming an upper face 101 of a hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 to an upper support 137 of said underwater exploration vehicle 1; [0107] a step 32 of connecting a lower support 135 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 to the upper support 137; [0108] a step 33 of assembling several components of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 on the lower support 135; [0109] a step of attaching 34 at least one hull element 132 forming a lower face 108 of the hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.

[0110] The underwater exploration vehicle 1 resulting from the assembly process 30 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13.

[0111] As can be seen from FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, fixing step 31 forms the first of the assembly steps in assembly method 30 according to the invention. Cleverly, fixing step 31 and subsequent steps are designed to build the underwater exploration vehicle 1 upside down, in successive layers from the upper face 101, with said underwater exploration vehicle 1 turned upside down, until it is closed again in the last step of assembly process 30.

[0112] FIG. 2 illustrates the assembly of a lighting assembly 19 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 on a front face 106 forming the bow 11 of said underwater exploration vehicle 1. The lighting assembly 19 here takes the form of an LED strip extending along the transverse axis Y of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.

[0113] The upper support 137 is curved to accommodate the lower support 135. Relative to the longitudinal axis X, the upper support 137 extends only at the level of the bow area 11 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. On the side facing an environment outside the underwater exploration vehicle 1, the upper support 137 is configured to be clad by hull elements 132 which cap and dress said upper support 137, in the manner of a body skin.

[0114] In order to facilitate the assembly of the lower support 135 on the upper support 137, the upper support 137 comprises indexing members 1371 which define the relative assembly position between the lower support 135 and the upper support 137, relative to the longitudinal axis X and/or the transverse axis Y and/or the vertical axis Z. Complementarily, the upper support 137 also features bearing surfaces 163 that cooperate with an opposite face of the lower support 135 to enable it to be supported on and fixed to the upper support 137.

[0115] Complementarily, the upper support 137 also comprises, at the level of lateral faces 102 of the hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, i.e. on either side of the upper support 137 relative to the transverse axis Y, handle supports which allow control handles 13 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 to be stiffened, as seen in FIGS. 8 to 13.

[0116] The upper support 137 is made of a material comprising plastic and is preferably obtained by molding.

[0117] With reference to FIG. 3, the fastening step 31 involves the assembly of several hull elements 132 forming the upper face 101 of the hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. In particular, the hull elements 132 comprise a central upper element 1320 1320 and two lateral upper elements 1321 located on either side of said central upper element 1320 1320, relative to the transverse axis Y. All hull elements 132 are securely fastened to the upper support 137 by means of fastening lugs 1373 integral with the upper support 137 and to which the hull elements 132 are securely fastened, preferably by screwing. In order to guarantee optimum attachment and prevent the hull elements 132 from lifting or becoming detached from the upper support 137, the upper support 137 has a number of attachment lugs 1373 which are distributed along the attachment interfaces with the opposing hull elements 132.

[0118] In a particularly advantageous and original way compared with known underwater exploration vehicles, the hull elements 132 forming the upper face 101 of the hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 according to the invention comprise shoulder edges 1322 configured to enable the hull elements 132 to be fitted together. In particular, the shoulder edges 1322 allow two adjacent hull elements 132 to abut, preferably along the longitudinal axis X, in order to achieve precise assembly of the various hull elements 132. The shoulder edges 1322 form sidewalks and/or flanges configured to overlap each other to provide a continuous surface of hull 10.

[0119] In order to improve the relative attachment of the hull elements 132 to each other and avoid the creation of lateral play between them or at their respective shoulder edges 1322, the hull elements 132 comprise at least one attachment flange 1323 for connecting two adjacent hull elements 132 along their respective shoulder edges 1322. Each fastening flange 1323 extends transversely and straddles between two adjacent hull elements 132, at their respective shoulder edges 1322. Consequently, fixing step 31 comprises a step of anchoring the two adjacent hull elements 132 by means of these fixing flanges 1323.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 3, the central upper element 1320 of hull 10 abuts each lateral upper element 1321 of hull 10. To this end, the central upper element 1320 1320 comprises, on each lateral side, such a shoulder edge 1322 collaborating with a shoulder edge 1322 formed on each facing lateral upper element 1321. In addition, in order to securely link these hull elements 132, a number of fastening flanges 1323 are arranged along the shoulder edges 1322, relative to the longitudinal axis X.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 3, the hull elements 132 extend behind the upper support 137 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, relative to the longitudinal axis X; and it is the lower support 135 that is configured to be affixed to these hull elements 132 behind the upper support 137 in order to stiffen them and hold them in position.

[0122] FIG. 4 illustrates the state of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 during the step 32 of connecting the lower support 135 to the upper support 137.

[0123] This connection step 32 consists in extending the internal framework of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 hitherto formed by the upper support 137 with the aid of the lower support 135. This extension of the upper support 137 behind the latter relative to the longitudinal axis X is accompanied by the lower support 135 being superimposed on the upper support 137 in the front area of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, close to the bow 11.

[0124] As previously mentioned, the step 32 of connecting the lower support 135 to the upper support 137 comprises a step of indexing said lower support 135 on said upper support 137, said lower support 135 and/or said upper support 137 comprising indexing members 1371 cooperating with complementary indexing members of said upper support 137 and/or said lower support 135 respectively.

[0125] The lower support 135 is fastened to the upper support 137 by means of bearing surfaces 163 on the upper support 137, which cooperate with the lower support 135. The lower support 135 is thus screwed to the upper support 137 at the level of the bearing surfaces 163 of the upper support 137. The bearing surfaces 163 project from the upper support 137 towards the lower support 135. The bearing surfaces 163 are integral with the upper support 137. The bearing surfaces 163 are distributed over the surface of the upper support 137 to distribute loads evenly between the lower support 135 and the upper support 137, thus ensuring the rigidity of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.

[0126] The lower support 135 forms a cradle for receiving numerous components of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 according to the invention. To this end, and as can be seen in FIG. 4, the lower support 135 has footings 1351 which extend projecting from the lower support 135 and towards the upper support 137, so as to define housings or locations for at least some of the components assembled on the lower support 135. In particular, the flanges 1351 form bearing surfaces for the components assembled on the lower support 135. The flanges 1351 thus form flat surfaces that extend across the underwater exploration vehicle 1 to axially lock certain componentsand in particular the electric battery 5 and the control unit 6 as seen in FIG. 5when assembled on the lower support 135.

[0127] FIG. 5 illustrates the assembly step 33 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. In particular, FIG. 5 illustrates the assembly of the electric battery 5 at the bow area 11 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, and in particular at a front area of the lower support 135. The electric battery 5 is thus housed between two flanges 1351 visible in FIG. 4 so as to be axially locked between them, relative to the longitudinal axis X. Complementarily, the electric battery 5 is also cleverly locked axially along the transverse axis Y thanks to a similar geometry along this axis. Similarly, FIG. 5 illustrates the assembly of the control unit 6 behind the electric battery 5, relative to the longitudinal axis X, on the lower support 135. The control unit 6 is thus housed between two base plates 1351 visible in FIG. 4, so as to be locked axially between them, relative to the longitudinal axis X. Complementarily, the control unit 6 is also cleverly locked axially along the transverse axis Y thanks to a similar geometry along this axis.

[0128] FIG. 6 illustrates a step for clamping the electric battery 5 and the control unit 6 using a retaining clamp 1352 that partially encircles the electric battery 5 and the control unit 6 respectively.

[0129] The retaining flange 1352 associated with the electric battery 5 extends along the longitudinal axis X; and the retaining flange 1352 associated with the control unit 6 extends along the transverse axis Y. Each retaining flange 1352 is fixedly secured to the lower support 135 in order to clamp the electric battery 5 and the control unit 6 respectively against the lower support 135. The retaining flange 1352 is preferably made of a plastic or metal material, with a high modulus of elasticity to ensure rigidity.

[0130] FIG. 6 also illustrates the assembly on the lower support 135 of other components of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, including: [0131] two propulsion assemblies 7 located on either side of the longitudinal axis X, each propulsion assembly 7 being located against or close to a lateral face 102 of the hull 10. Each propulsion assembly 7 is attached to a rear part of the lower support 135; [0132] Protective foams 9 are used to close and seal off certain interior spaces in the underwater exploration vehicle 1. The protective foams 9 are made of a preferably impermeable plastic material. The protective foams 9 are molded according to the geometry of the lower support 135 and the components assembled thereon and as previously described. The protective foams 9 can be fixed to the lower support 135e or simply placed on the components and sandwiched between the said component with which they are associated and the lower face 108 of the hull 10 intended to be fixed to the lower support 135, according to the final attachment step 34 of the assembly process 30.

[0133] The protective foams 9 can be used to fill gaps in the interior volume delimited by the hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, in order to limit the volume of the immersion chamber 4 of said underwater exploration vehicle 1. Indeed, for reasons of buoyancy, balance and dynamic behavior of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 in water, it is necessary to limit the immersion chamber 4 to a predetermined volume, and to distribute it in a balanced manner between a front zone and a rear zone of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. To this end, as can be seen in FIG. 6, the underwater exploration vehicle 1 comprises: [0134] first protective foams 9 in the bow area 11. The first foams 9 are located on either side of the electric battery 5, relative to the transverse axis Y, and extend over the lower support 135, from the electric battery 5 to the corresponding lateral face 102 of the hull 10; [0135] second protective foams 9 on the propulsion assemblies 7. The second foams 9 are located on either side of each propulsion assembly 7, relative to the transverse axis Y, and extend over a casing 71 of said propulsion assemblies 7, from said casing 71 to the facing lateral face 102 of the hull 10.

[0136] More specifically, in the stern area 12 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, the second components enable the immersion chamber 4 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 to be reduced to the area strictly between the propulsion assemblies 7. This advantageous configuration improves the buoyancy and balance of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.

[0137] Advantageously, the protective foams 9 are impermeable. Finally, the step of placing the protective foams 9 involves depositing a seal on a peripheral edge of said protective foams 9 and/or at an interface between said protective foams 9 and the facing hull 10 and/or at an interface between said protective foams 9 and the associated component, i.e. the casing 71 of the propulsion assemblies 7 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

[0138] Finally, with reference to FIG. 7, the fastening step 34 of the assembly process 30 comprises a step of screwing the lower face 108 of the hull 10 to the legs of the lower support 135 located opposite said lower face 108. Preferably, the lower face 108 of the hull 10 is screwed against the legs of the lower support 135 around its periphery, so as to prevent the lower face 108 of the hull 10 from lifting or becoming detached. Preferably, the lower face 108 of hull 10 comprises a single hull assembly 10. The hull assembly 10 forming the lower face 108 of hull 10 thus forms a closure cover for the interior assembly and immersion chamber 4 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. The lower face 108 presses the protective foams 9 against the lower support 135 and against the components, preventing the latter from moving during use of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.

[0139] With reference to FIGS. 8 to 13, an underwater exploration vehicle 1 manufactured using the assembly process 30 described above will now be described in detail, through a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention.

[0140] With reference to FIGS. 8 to 13, the invention primarily addresses an underwater exploration vehicle 1 comprising: [0141] a hull 10 defining an interior volume for the underwater exploration vehicle 1; [0142] a plurality of orifices 2 arranged on the hull 10, each orifice being in fluid communication with the environment outside the underwater exploration vehicle 1 and being fluidically coupled with an immersion chamber 4 housed in the hull 10; [0143] two propulsion assemblies 7 housed in the interior volume and located on either side 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 drive shaft 72 and a propeller 73 coupled in rotation to the drive shaft 72, part of the drive 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 outside the underwater exploration vehicle 1 via an inlet opening 16 and an outlet opening 17 provided on the hull 10; [0144] 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; [0145] 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; [0146] 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 the level of a concavity 105 of an upper face 101 of the hull 10; [0147] control handles 13 located on either side of lateral faces 102 of hull 10, the control handles 13 enabling the underwater exploration vehicle to be controlled and manoeuvred.

[0148] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 13, the underwater exploration vehicle is of the diving scooter type. Thus, the underwater exploration vehicle is configured to be able to move both on the water surface and 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 control 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.

[0149] The hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle forms the outer skin of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. Advantageously, the hull 10 is formed of several parts which are assembled in relation to each other so as to form together the interior volume of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. The various parts of the hull 10 are connected to each other and/or to an internal reinforcement, in particular to stiffen the underwater exploration vehicle 1, the internal reinforcement being formed by a lower support 135 and an upper support 137, as previously explained with regard to the assembly method 30.

[0150] The hull 10 delimits a profile for the underwater exploration vehicle 1 that is particularly well suited to its use on and in the water. In particular, the hull 10 delimits, at the level of a front face 106 and a bow 11 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, a portion of smaller dimension, both along the transverse axis Y and along the vertical axis Z. This configuration thus ensures better penetration of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 into the water, and thus improves its performance as well as the user experience.

[0151] As can be seen on FIGS. 8, 10 and 11, the underwater exploration vehicle 1 has a wider section, relative to the transverse axis Y, located directly aft of the bow 11. This configuration makes it possible not only to present a wider upper surface 101 for greater user comfort, but also to define a sufficiently large interior volume to house all the electronic components required to operate the underwater exploration vehicle 1.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 8, 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 water to circulate between the user's arms, which are positioned on either side of a central body 100 of the diving vehicle.

[0153] As can be seen on FIG. 12, this part, located directly aft of the bow 11 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, is also the one with the highest elevation, relative to the vertical axis Z. This configuration makes it possible to house bulky electronic components, such as the electric battery 5, but also to position the control screen 18 in good optical alignment with 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 106and the bow 11 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1to a cap 103 overhanging the control screen 18.

[0154] The cap 103 can thus form a visor which both prevents the sun's rays from striking the control screen 18 directly when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is used on the surface of the water, and also forms a protective bubble when said underwater exploration vehicle 1 is used underwater, so that water flowing around the underwater exploration vehicle 1 slides back and away from the control screen 18.

[0155] 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 protects the screen and forms a corridor of vision for the user of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. The concavity 105 thus protects the control screen 18 and the user from the sun's raysand the reflections created on the control screen 18as well as limiting water splashes onto the screen or directly behind it when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is used on the surface of the water. Complementarily, when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is used underwater, the concavity 105 reduces 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 side walkways 104 which extend on either side of a floor 1051 which itself extends behind the control screen 18. The sidewalks 104 extend behind the control screen 18 and the cap 103 and overhang the floor 1051.

[0156] Beyond the control screen 18, the lateral dimensions of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 decrease again in order to reduce its bulk and 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 thinner, particularly at the level of its propulsion assemblies 7. Thus, at a rear face 107 of the hull 10forming the stern 12 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1the internal volume delimited by the hull 10 is minimal, said hull 10 having a minimum height, relative to the vertical axis Z.

[0157] As previously mentioned, 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 the level of 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 improve the grip of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, and also define passages 130 on either side of the central body 100 for improved water flow around the underwater exploration vehicle 1. In this way, each control handle 13 extends opposite and at a distance from the corresponding depression, opposite the lateral face 102 of the hull 10.

[0158] The control handles 13 carry control buttons 133 for driving the underwater exploration vehicle 1, i.e. for controlling the on-board propulsion assemblies 7.

[0159] Particularly cleverly, 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.

[0160] The propulsion assemblies 7 generate a flow of water in the respective flow channels. This flow of water is drawn 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. A contrario, the inlet openings 16 are located under the underwater exploration vehicle 1, at the level of the lower face 108 of the hull 10.

[0161] 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 lower face 108 when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is moving in or underwater, to better penetrate into the corresponding flow channel 3.

[0162] However, the main reason why water seeps into the inlet opening 16 is due to the negative pressure generated in the flow channel 3 at the inlet opening 16 and to the rotation of the propeller 73 driven by the drive shaft 72 and the electric motor 70 of the corresponding propulsion assembly 7. Thus, despite the slight inclination of the inlet opening 16 with respect 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 that generates a vacuum and a current that draws water into the flow channel 3.

[0163] The propulsion assemblies 7 are cleverly positioned at the side 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 level of the stern 12. This advantageous configuration prevents 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. In contrast, the configuration proposed here enables such a flow of water to be generated on either side of the user, which improves both performance and comfort of use.

[0164] Particularly advantageously, the electric battery 5 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is positioned forward and centrally, relative to the longitudinal axis X. This advantageous configuration optimizes the balance of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 and improves its agility, particularly in terms of rotational movements such as rolling or yawing. In fact, as the electric battery 5 is one of the heaviest electrical components, it is clever and preferable to position it along the longitudinal X axis. In addition, the more forward position of the electric battery 5 is compensated for by a more rearward position of the control unit 6 and the propulsion assemblies 7. These particularly advantageous arrangements enable the underwater exploration vehicle 1 according to the invention to be perfectly balanced relative to the longitudinal axis X and relative to the transverse axis Y.

[0165] As previously mentioned, and as can be seen in particular on FIGS. 12 and 13, the interior volume of hull 10 delimits immersion chamber 4. Immersion chamber 4 is a ballast chamber that fills the underwater exploration vehicle 1 when it is launched, in order to achieve the balancing that is essential for its proper use in and on the water, and to compensate for the buoyancy forces on hull 10.

[0166] In the underwater exploration vehicle 1 according to the invention, the immersion chamber 4 forms a single volume within the interior volume, with no 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. Even more particularly, in 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 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 assemblies 7 and the surrounding hull 10, relative to the transverse axis Y.

[0167] Optionally, the residual space formed by the casing 71 and the directly facing part of the hull 10 is filled with foam 9 to prevent water from entering. This advantageous configuration improves the buoyancy and balance of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 when underwater.

[0168] Alternatively, the foams 9 housed between the casing 71 and the directly facing part of the hull 10 are combined with one or more seals to isolate the residual space filled by the foams 9 from the immersion chamber 4. The aim here is to prevent such residual spaces from communicating with the immersion chamber 4.

[0169] To this end, the immersion chamber 4 is in fluid communication with the environment outside the underwater exploration vehicle 1 via several orifices 2 cleverly arranged and oriented on the hull 10: [0170] first orifices 21 located on a lower face 108 of the hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. The first orifices 21 form through-openings in 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 provide fluid communication between the external environment and the immersion chamber 4. In particular, the first orifices 21 are configured to allow the immersion chamber 4 to be filled when, and only when, the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is launched. Conversely, when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is taken out of the water, the first orifices 21 are configured to allow water to flow out of the immersion chamber 4 simply by gravity; [0171] second orifices 22 located on an upper surface 101 of the hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, behind the control screen 18. In particular, the second apertures 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 in the upper surface 101 of the hull 10, which open into the immersion chamber 4 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. The second orifices 22 provide fluid communication between the external environment and the immersion chamber 4. More particularly, the second orifices 22 are configured to allow air contained in the immersion chamber 4 prior to the launch of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 to be expelled from said immersion chamber 4 when it is filled during the launch of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, and only during this stage. In this way, the second orifices 22 work in conjunction with the first orifices 21 to facilitate the filling of the immersion chamber 4 with water when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is launched, by allowing air to escape through the second orifices 22 at the same time as water enters through the first orifices 21. Conversely, when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is out of the water, the second orifices 22 are configured to allow air to enter the immersion chamber 4, while the water that was present in the immersion chamber 4 flows out of said immersion chamber 4 by simple gravitational effect and under the effect of the pressure of the incoming air. In this way, the second orifices 22 cooperate with the first orifices 21 to facilitate the draining of water from the immersion chamber 4 when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 exits, by simultaneously allowing air to enter through the second orifices 22 and water to enter through the first orifices 21; [0172] third orifices 23 located on the lateral faces 102 of the hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. In particular, the third apertures 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 in 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 provide fluid communication between the external environment and the immersion chamber 4. In particular, the third orifices 23 are configured to allow the immersion chamber 4 to be filled when, and only when, the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is launched. In this way, the third orifices 23 cooperate with the first orifices 21 to facilitate the filling of the immersion chamber 4 with water when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is launched, by speeding up the filling of the immersion chamber 4 and allowing such filling to be more balanced between a front zone of the immersion chamber 4 and a rear zone of said immersion chamber 4, relative to the longitudinal axis X.

[0173] 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.

[0174] However, due to the use of an electric battery 5 of the lithium type, excessive cooling is not desired. Consequently, the immersion chamber 4 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 according to the invention is not traversed by a current of water during the use of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, and in particular during its movements on or under water. To this end, the various orifices 2 present in the hull 10 and placing the immersion chamber 4 in fluid communication with the outside are not configured to allow such a flow of water into the immersion chamber 4 during the forward movement of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 because: [0175] no opening serving as an inlet for the immersion chamber 4 is located on the front face 106 or in the bow area 11 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. On the other hand, all the orifices 2 serving as water inlet orifices for the immersion chamber 4 are located in a central zone of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, relative to the longitudinal axis X, and situated between the bow zone 11 and the stern zone 12, with the exception of the following; [0176] no orifices serving as outlets for the immersion chamber 4 are 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 in a central area of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, relative to the longitudinal axis X, and situated between the bow area 11 and the stern area 12, excluding these; [0177] no orifice faces directly the flow of water around the underwater exploration vehicle 1 as it travels on or under water. On the other hand, all orifices 2 are oriented tangentially or substantially tangentially to the flow of water around the underwater exploration vehicle 1 as it travels on or under water.

[0178] Consequently, while the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is moving under or over water, the water in immersion chamber 4 remains stationary and forms a static or quasi-static mass in the interior volume delimited by hull 10.

[0179] 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.

[0180] On the upper face 101, at the rear of the floor 1051 of the concavity 105, relative to the longitudinal axis X, the underwater exploration vehicle 1 has a plug 15 which seals an electrical connector 8, enabling an internal software program embedded in the control unit 6, or some of the functional parameters of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, to be updated. This advantageous configuration makes updating easy and facilitates the wired connection between the underwater exploration vehicle 1 and a remote server.

[0181] As previously mentioned, the invention here organizes the various orifices 2 placing the immersion chamber 4 in fluid communication with the external environment in such a way that they prevent a flow of water into the immersion chamber 4 when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is in motion on the water surface or in the water.

[0182] Referring in particular to FIGS. 11 and 12, the first orifices 21 form large openings that extend relative to the longitudinal axis X on the lower face 108 of the hood of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.

[0183] The first apertures 21 do not allow the insertion of water when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is moving on the water surface or underwater, as an axis perpendicular to the opening surface of the first apertures 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 as the underwater exploration vehicle 1 moves, relative to the longitudinal axis X. Thus, when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is in use, with the immersion chamber 4 filled with water, the water flowing along the lower face 108 of the hull 10 cannot enter the immersion chamber 4 due to the balance of pressures existing both in the immersion chamber 4 and at the level of the lower face 108 and the first orifices 21. In this way, water flows along the lower face 108 without entering the immersion chamber 4. This behaviour is particularly induced 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 front zone of the immersion chamber 4located on the side of the electric battery 5and 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.

[0184] More particularly, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first orifices 21 comprise a plurality of oblong slots 211, all extending 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-preferably 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.

[0185] In order to protect the lower face 108 of the hull 10 and prevent objects from entering the immersion chamber 4 through the first orifices 21, the lower face 108 of the hull 10 is provided with ribs 212, all of which project from the lower face 108 of the hull 10 along the longitudinal axis X of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. The ribs 212 are all parallel to one another and extend between two adjacent oblong slots 211. The ribs 212 are integral with the lower face 108 of hull 10.

[0186] The first apertures 21, and in particular the oblong slots 211 and associated ribs 212, are located in the central part of the underwater exploration vehicle, relative to the transverse axis Y.

[0187] Referring in particular to FIGS. 9, 10 and 12, the second orifices 22 form openings which extend relative to the transverse axis Y on the upper surface 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.

[0188] The second orifices 22 do not allow water to be inserted when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is moving on the water surface or underwater, as 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 as the underwater exploration vehicle 1 moves, relative to the longitudinal axis X. In addition, the second orifices 22 are located in the concavity 105 of the upper face 101 of the hull 10, and are therefore sheltered from a flow of water when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is moving underwater. Thus, when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is in use, with the immersion chamber 4 filled with water, the water flowing along the upper face 101 of the hull 10 or at the level of the concavity 105 cannot enter the immersion chamber 4 due to the balance of pressures existing both in the immersion chamber 4 and at the level of the upper face 101 of the hull 10 and the second orifices 22. In this way, water flows along the upper face 101 and along the concavity 105 without entering the immersion chamber 4. This behavior is particularly favored by the fact that each second orifice 22 has a flap 24 that extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis Xas seen in FIG. 12which leads to obstructing or slowing down or making more difficult the insertion of water into the immersion chamber 4 located above.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 12, each second orifice 22 has a slot 25 associated with the flap 24. 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 elongatedly-preferably rectangularly or oblongly-relative to the transverse axis Y of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. Relative to the transverse axis Y, flap 24 extends identically to the slot 25 with which it is associated. In this way, the flaps 24 act as deflectors 231 for the second orifices 22, preventing water from flowing towards the immersion chamber 4 when the latter is moving towards the rear of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, as is the case when navigating underwater.

[0190] In order to facilitate the immersion of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 when it is launched, by facilitating the expulsion of the air present in the immersion chamber 4 when the water rushes in through the first orifices 21, the second orifices 22 are located plumb with 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.

[0191] Relative to the longitudinal axis X, the slots 25 forming the second orifices 22 extend at a region of the upper face 101 of the hull 10 located between the battery and the control unit 6, relative to the longitudinal axis X of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.

[0192] Referring in particular to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, the third orifices 23 form large apertures 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 facing the control handles 13.

[0193] The third orifices 23 do not allow water to be inserted when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is moving on the water surface or underwater, as 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 movement of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, relative to the longitudinal axis X. In addition, 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 lateral faces 102 of the hull 10 cannot enter the immersion chamber 4 due to the pressure equilibrium existing both in the immersion chamber 4 and at the level of said lateral faces 102 of the hull 10 and the third orifices 23. Thus, water flows along the lateral faces 102 without entering the immersion chamber 4.

[0194] 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 the level of a front part of the first orifices 21. In particular, the third orifices 23 face the electric battery 5 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. This advantageous configuration facilitates the flooding of the front part of the immersion chamber 4 when the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is launched.

[0195] The third orifices 23 extend along the vertical Z and/or longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. In other words, the third orifices 23 are elongated-preferably rectangular or oblongin relation to the vertical Z and/or longitudinal axis of the underwater exploration vehicle 1, and are all parallel and adjacent to one another.

[0196] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, each lateral face 102 of hull 10 on which the third orifices 23 are arranged has 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 water surface or underwater. In contrast, the deflectors 231 generate a tangential flow to the third orifices 23.

[0197] The deflectors 231 project from the lateral face 102 on which the third orifices 23 are formed. Each third orifice 23 is associated with a deflector 231. Each deflector 231 extends from the lateral face 102 on which the third orifices 23 are formed. Each deflector 231 overhangs the corresponding third orifice 23, relative to the transverse axis Y. In other words, each deflector 231 extends backwards and forwards from the lateral face 102 of the hull 10, so as to overhang the third orifice 23 with which it is associated, relative to the transverse axis Y.

[0198] Thus, the underwater exploration vehicle 1 conforming to the invention proposes a particularly astute architecture and geometry with a view to optimizing its performance. Indeed, the underwater exploration vehicles known in the prior art which implemented an internal flow in the immersion chamber 4, due to water inlets facing the water flowi.e. facing the longitudinal axis Xand/or located at the level of their bow area 11 led to less manoeuvrability and greater inertia, and therefore less comfort of use, due to the existence of this internal flow and the internal friction generated by the water flowing into the cavity. In contrast, the design proposed here provides for a completely opposite design, and cleverly leads to enhanced performance and user comfort.

[0199] With reference to FIGS. 14 to 16, the lighting assembly 19 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 is located at the bow 11 of said underwater exploration vehicle 1. In addition, the lighting assembly 19 comprises a light source 194 sealingly mounted in a support 190 and a control unit located remotely from the light source 194 and wired to said light source 194.

[0200] In the example 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 wire means not visible in the FIGURES.

[0201] The support 190 forms part of the front face 106 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1. More specifically, support 190 forms an interface between the environment outside the underwater exploration vehicle 1 and the interior volume delimited by hull 10. Thus, in the context of the present invention, the front face 106 of the hull 10 cooperates with the support 190 of the lighting assembly 19. More particularly, the front face 106 of hull 10 docks along the support 190 of lighting assembly 19, relative to the vertical axis Z, so that an end edge of the front face 106 of hull 10 rests or is brought into contact against the support 190 of lighting assembly 19, so as to form a surface continuity between the front face 106 and lighting assembly 19 at the bow 11 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.

[0202] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light source 194 is tightly associated with the support 190, but the support 190 accommodating the light source 194 does not form a tight housing 1912 for said light source 194. To this end, as can be seen more particularly in FIGS. 15 and 16, the support 190 of the lighting assembly 19 comprises: [0203] a base 192 configured to receive the light source 194; and [0204] a closing blade 191 configured to associate with the base 192.

[0205] 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.

[0206] As shown in FIG. 15, base 192 takes the form of an arched plate configured to cooperate with the front face 106 of hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle, so as to present continuity of form. Base 192 thus extends in a curved manner between one lateral face 102 of hull 10 and the other, at the level of front face 106. Base 192 is preferably made of plastic.

[0207] Similarly, the closing blade 191 takes the form of a closing cap cooperating with the base 192. The closing blade 191 is transparent or translucent to the light generated by the light source 194. The closing blade 191 is preferably made of a plastic material.

[0208] The base 192 and the closing blade 191 delimit a housing 1912 in which the light source 194 is housed. To this end, the base 192 and the closing blade 191 comprise complementary fastening means 1910 enabling the base 192 to be fixed 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 embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the fastening means 1910 comprise a plurality of holes 1911 formed on a rear edge of the closure blade 191 and a plurality of lugs 1921 projecting from the base 192. Each lug 1921 is configured to forcefully engage in the facing hole 1911 on the closure blade 191.

[0209] Bracket 190 includes fasteners 193 enabling the lighting assembly 19and in particular bracket 190to be securely fastened to an upper bracket 190 137 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 serving as a chassis for said underwater exploration vehicle 1. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the fasteners 193 take the form of clips which project from the base 192, relative to the vertical axis Z, so as to be able to cooperate by complementary engagement with the upper support 190 137 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.

[0210] As can be seen in FIG. 15, the light source 194 is of the surface type: 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 interconnected by an electronic circuit are housed.

[0211] The flexible band 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. Advantageously, the headband is flexible so that it can be easily deformedand shaped in the housing 1912 of the support 190 formed by the base 192 and the closing blade 191during 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 any curvature constraints in particular, due to the curved shape of the bow 11 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.

[0212] For this purpose, the flexible headband is made of a material comprising a plastic.

[0213] Preferably, the flexible strip housing the light-emitting diodes and the electronic circuit is sealed. Sealing is advantageously achieved by embedding the light source 194 and the associated electronic circuit in an adhesive that is transparent to the light emitted by the light source 194, the light source 194 being embedded in said adhesive. Preferably, the glue is of the silicone type which remains flexible once dried, so as to enable the light source 194 to be shaped on its support 190, and more particularly on the base 192 whatever its shape. In this way, the light source 194 embedded in the glue forms the flexible headband as described above.

[0214] Briefly, the invention relates to an assembly method 30 for an underwater exploration vehicle 1, the assembly method 30 comprising the following steps: [0215] a step 31 of fixing at least one hull element 132 forming an upper face 101 of a hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 to an upper support 137 of said underwater exploration vehicle 1; [0216] a step 32 of connecting a lower support 135 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 to the upper support 137; [0217] a step 33 of assembling several components of the underwater exploration vehicle 1 on the lower support 135; [0218] a step of attaching 34 at least one hull element 132 forming a lower face 108 of the hull 10 of the underwater exploration vehicle 1.

[0219] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described, and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the various features, forms, variants and embodiments of the invention may be associated with one another in various combinations, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above can be combined with one another.