EP0000312B1 - Device to afford respiration and protection against acceleration in combat aircraft - Google Patents

Device to afford respiration and protection against acceleration in combat aircraft Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0000312B1
EP0000312B1 EP19780400042 EP78400042A EP0000312B1 EP 0000312 B1 EP0000312 B1 EP 0000312B1 EP 19780400042 EP19780400042 EP 19780400042 EP 78400042 A EP78400042 A EP 78400042A EP 0000312 B1 EP0000312 B1 EP 0000312B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pressure
regulator
pockets
acceleration
valve
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP19780400042
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0000312A1 (en
Inventor
Raymond Beaussant
Jacques Claude
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Safran Aerosystems SAS
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Intertechnique SA
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Publication date
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Publication of EP0000312A1 publication Critical patent/EP0000312A1/en
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Publication of EP0000312B1 publication Critical patent/EP0000312B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D10/00—Flight suits
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D16/00—Control of fluid pressure
    • G05D16/04—Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power
    • G05D16/06—Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power the sensing element being a flexible membrane, yielding to pressure, e.g. diaphragm, bellows, capsule
    • G05D16/063—Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power the sensing element being a flexible membrane, yielding to pressure, e.g. diaphragm, bellows, capsule the sensing element being a membrane
    • G05D16/0644—Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power the sensing element being a flexible membrane, yielding to pressure, e.g. diaphragm, bellows, capsule the sensing element being a membrane the membrane acting directly on the obturator
    • G05D16/0655—Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power the sensing element being a flexible membrane, yielding to pressure, e.g. diaphragm, bellows, capsule the sensing element being a membrane the membrane acting directly on the obturator using one spring-loaded membrane
    • G05D16/0658—Control of fluid pressure without auxiliary power the sensing element being a flexible membrane, yielding to pressure, e.g. diaphragm, bellows, capsule the sensing element being a membrane the membrane acting directly on the obturator using one spring-loaded membrane characterised by the form of the obturator
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/0753—Control by change of position or inertia of system

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to installations intended to supply the respiratory mixture to the members of a combat aircraft crew and to protect them against the effects of acceleration, of the type comprising a respiratory mixture regulator, an anti-g regulator controlling the gas pressure in the pockets of pants for protection against acceleration, the detection member of which consists of a counterweight movable in the direction of acceleration to which the wearer of the pants is sensitive and establishing, in said pockets, a pressure increasing function of the acceleration, and means for establishing in said pockets a pressure increasing function of the altitude.
  • the present invention aims to provide an installation in which the drawbacks of earlier systems are eliminated, at least to a large extent, and 1 ⁇ i individual equipment driver is simplified.
  • the invention provides an installation of the above type in which said means provide altitude information to the anti-g regulator which is designed to establish in said pockets that of pressures, which correspond to the information provided by the flyweight and the other to the information provided by said means, which is the highest.
  • Such an installation comprises a single pressure regulator in the pockets.
  • this single regulator receives information representative of one or the other of two different parameters (altitude or acceleration).
  • the selection of the parameter takes place automatically, advantageously using a shuttle valve.
  • this shuttle does not fulfill the same function as in US Ane It selects the regulator control pressure the picnic among the pressures corresponding to one altitude information, the other information acceleration. It intervenes to control inflation as well as deflation of the pockets. This type of cooperation makes it possible to achieve a much simpler installation than that of the prior art.
  • the means providing altitude information can be constituted by an altimetric capsule associated with a valve; they can also be constituted by a pressure tap on the respiratory oxygen regulator that the installation also includes.
  • the invention further aims to provide an installation comprising a flyweight for detecting improved accelerations and which can be produced in miniaturized form.
  • the counterweight is constituted by a mass suspended by a membrane arranged perpendicular to the axis of the accelerations to be detected, membrane arranged in a plane passing approximately through the center of gravity of the mass.
  • the regulator controlling the gas pressure in the pants pockets is provided with means making it possible to pre-inflate, under limited pressure, the pants pockets as soon as the flight controls are placed in a position which will cause the aircraft to accelerate.
  • the response time is thus considerably reduced and the crew members benefit from protection as soon as they undergo acceleration, which is not the case at present.
  • This arrangement is particularly easy to implement in the case of airplanes which include a system of electric transmission control, often called "fly by wire". Indeed, the signal supplied to the regulator can be directly derived from the command.
  • a correction circuit using for example an amplifier, a timer, possibly a proportional-integral-derivative circuit, can be used to adapt the control to the particular type of aircraft concerned.
  • the protective clothing can be reduced to anti-g pants, the pockets of which are also inflatable to provide the necessary pressurization at high altitude, and to a pressurized jacket, without a binding. pneumatic is necessary between pants and jacket.
  • Figure 1 shows in an extremely schematic and simplified way the part of an installation which is intended to control the pressure in the pants pockets of the protective clothing against accelerations.
  • the installation is supplied by a pipe 10 for supplying pressurized gas.
  • This gas will for example be oxygen from an on-board liquid oxygen converter, or air, under a pressure of a few bars (5 bars for example).
  • the pants pockets are connected to the installation by a flexible pipe 11.
  • the installation shown in Figure 1 (where the scale is not respected) comprises a number of organs which are conventional and will therefore only be briefly described.
  • organs include a main valve 12 constituted by a fixed seat and a membrane. In the rest position, the membrane is applied to the seat and separates the lines 10 and 11.
  • a control chamber 13 delimited by the rear of the membrane and the box in which it is placed, is subjected to pressure reigning in line 10, the membrane is applied to its seat and closes the passage in the seat.
  • pilot valve 15 The pressure prevailing in the chamber 13, connected to the pipe 10 by a calibrated orifice 14, is controlled by a pilot valve 15.
  • This pilot valve comprises a sensitive regulation membrane 16 controlling a closure element 17 which cooperates with a seat fixed to put the chamber 13 in communication with the pipe 11.
  • the pressure prevailing at the rear of the sensitive membrane 16 is in turn determined by control and safety valves.
  • a valve 19 allows the air contained in the pockets to escape the atmosphere, in the direction indicated by the arrow F ', when the pressure applied to the rear of the membrane 16 decreases.
  • the control valve as a function of the acceleration is actuated by a flyweight improved compared to those previously known.
  • This feeder has a mass 20 of a few tens of grams contained in a chamber 21 formed in a fixed housing and connected to the atmosphere.
  • the mass 20 is carried by a membrane 22, the periphery of which is fixed to the housing.
  • This membrane is arranged transversely to the direction A of the accelerations to be detected. Its internal part is fixed permanently to the periphery of the mass 20, so that, at rest, the plane of the membrane passes approximately through the center of gravity of the mass 20.
  • a face 23 provided with a flat seal and intended to be applied sealingly against a fixed seat 24 which delimits a calibrated hole of small diameter.
  • a return spring 25 spreads the bearing face of the seat 24.
  • the face 23 comes to apply on the seat 24 and closes the calibrated orifice as shown in the figure 2. It should be noted in passing that the housing limits the movements of the mass 20 from the seat 24 to a length which is very slightly greater than the lift required.
  • the membrane may be made of molded silicone and be fixed to the mass either by overmolding or by fitting.
  • the orifice delimited by the seat will generally have a very small diameter, from 2 to 3 mm for example. We see that the entire housing can be miniaturized, especially if we constitute the seat 24 by a sapphire which can be pierced with a hole of very small diameter.
  • the stiffness of the spring may be such that the mass 20 only applies to the seat 24 from an acceleration of approximately 2 g.
  • the pressure behind the membrane 16 of the pilot valve is also modifiable according to the altitude.
  • the installation comprises a sealed altimetric capsule 26, subjected to the pressure prevailing in the cabin, one end of which is carried by a fixed housing and the other end of which carries a closure element 27 provided with a extender 28.
  • the shutter member 27 releases an opening in the housing.
  • the capsule 26 expands and the member 27 tends to separate the interior of the housing from a relay chamber 29.
  • the passage in the seat 24 communicates with the rear of the diaphragm 16 of the pilot valve only via this relay chamber.
  • the relay chamber 29 contains a double valve 30 which an elastic return blade 31 maintains at rest in a position where it separates the relay chamber from the capsule housing and, on the other hand, connects the relay chamber 29 to the passage in the seat 24 ( Figure 1).
  • the extension pusher 28 pushes the double valve 30 and separates the relay chamber 29 from the passage formed in the seat 24.
  • the operating surface on the shutter 27 of the pressure prevailing in the relay chamber 29 is chosen so that the pressure in this chamber is established at a value which is a function of the pressure in the cabin, therefore of the altitude.
  • the installation also includes a calibrated leak orifice 32 connecting the line 10 to the relay chamber and to the rear of the membrane 16.
  • the gas flow admitted by the valve 12 is not sent directly into the pockets of the protective pants.
  • This gas is used as driving fluid in an ejector 34 supplied with air coming from the cabin via a non-return valve 35.
  • the primary flow is considerably lower than the flow to be supplied to the pants, which makes it possible to miniaturize the installation and in particular its moving parts.
  • the consumption of gas from line 10 is considerably reduced, which is particularly important in the case where this gas consists of oxygen which also supplies the respiratory device: the ratio of the flow rates of entrained air and entrainment gas can be from 8 to 1.
  • the flow peaks are considerably reduced and become compatible with the possibilities of liquid oxygen converters.
  • FIG. 1 in dashes, means for pre-inflating the pockets of the protective pants even before the weight is subjected to acceleration.
  • These means comprise a solenoid valve 36 and an electrical control circuit 37.
  • This provision is particularly convenient to implement if the airplane is provided with a control system with electric transmission of orders. In this case, in fact, it suffices to take the electrical signal from the transmission and to process it.
  • the processing mode used will depend on the one hand, on the aerodynamic and control characteristics of the aircraft, on the other hand, on situation parameters, such as for example the speed, the altitude, etc.
  • the electrical circuit will in general essentially comprise a timer which, on reception of a signal indicating that the steering position will cause acceleration in direction A, will apply to the solenoid valve 36 an opening signal for a duration predetermined, corresponding to the establishment of an appropriate pressure (typically 3 seconds).
  • FIG. 3 shows the variation in the volume V of these pockets as a function of the pressure Ap with respect to the atmosphere.
  • Pre-inflation can be carried out, as shown in Figure 1, using a timer system which indirectly limits the pressure reached. It is also possible to use a calibrated valve associated with the solenoid valve 36, closing the supply as soon as the pressure reaches the value indicated by point 39, which can for example correspond to a pressure of the order of two-thirds of the pressure definitive.
  • the electric control will be provided to intervene only if the steering locks indicate an acceleration greater than the threshold normally provided for conventional anti-g valves, of the order of 2 g in general.
  • FIG. 1 is susceptible of numerous variants.
  • the one shown in Figure 4 (where only the elements belonging to a circuit different from that of FIG. 1 have been shown. do not have a double-acting valve.
  • Point 38 to which the safety valve 18, the rear chamber of the pilot valve 15, the return valve 19 and the throttled orifice 32 are connected, is connected directly to the seat 24.
  • the chamber 21 is not connected to the atmosphere, but to the chamber occupied by the capsule 26. This latter chamber is in turn connected to the atmosphere.
  • FIG. 4 a conventional pre-flight verification assembly, with which the device of FIG. 1 can also be fitted.
  • This verification device is placed between the outlet 39. of the chamber occupied by the altimetric capsule 26 and the 'atmosphere. In the case of Figure 1, it would be placed between the chamber 21 and the atmosphere. It includes a push button 40 pushed by a spring in a position where it lets the outlet 39 communicate with the atmosphere. By pressing this button, the operator separates the outlet 39 from the atmosphere, the pressure increases behind the membrane 16 of the pilot valve and the pockets of the protective pants inflate to a pressure level fixed by the check valve 41.
  • the device comprises a first calibrated orifice 43 connecting the normal supply line 10 to the passage formed in the seat 24 of the counterweight and a second calibrated orifice 44 connecting the emergency line 42 to the passage connecting the chamber occupied by the capsule 26 and the double valve 30.
  • the latter is not provided with a return spring.
  • the main valve 12 is supplied from the normal pipe 10.
  • the normal pipe 10 is generally supplied by a liquid oxygen converter 46 carried by the aircraft.
  • the emergency line 42 is provided with a compressed gas cylinder 47, provided with a pressure reducer 48, carried by the seat.
  • a non-return valve 49 allows the converter 46 to also supply the emergency line 42, except in the event of ejection.
  • the converter 46 feeds the pants pockets (anti-g function). It also supplies the pilot's mask or helmet and the jacket pockets (respiratory functions and pressurization).
  • the pants pockets are already inflated; the anti-function. g can no longer be filled, the seat 24 of the counterweight 20 losing its power; the valve 49 closes, isolating the pipe 42 which continues to supply the compartment of the capsule 26. This will, as the descent by parachute, reduce the pressure in the pockets of the pants by reducing the pressure which reigns behind the valve 19.
  • the altimeter capsule 26 can be replaced by a pressure tap from the demand regulator which supplies breathing gas to the wearer of the pants.
  • the intake can be made on the high pressure stage of the regulator, with intermediate pressure reduction. It can also be done on exit from use.
  • the double valve 30 avoids any action of the counterweight 20 on the pressure of the respiratory mixture.
  • the regulator is for example of the type described in patent FR 74 34826, published under the number 2 288 346.
  • the control of the pressure in the pockets of the pants has hitherto been mainly described to fulfill the functions of anti-g protection and pressurization.
  • the breathing mixture regulator of the installation is advantageously designed to cooperate with the anti-g regulator for protection against acceleration.
  • FIG. 6 shows the jacket 50 and the pants 51 which constitute the pilot's protective clothing, moreover provided with a pressurization helmet 52.
  • the anti-g regulator 53 for example of the type illustrated in FIG. 5, is powered by the converter 46 or by another source, such as the compressor of a turbojet engine (as shown in dashes).
  • the respiratory mixture regulator 54 is normally supplied by the converter 46 and back-up by the bottle 47. It supplies the jacket 50 and the helmet 52.
  • a dashed line separates the organs carried by the seat from those carried by the structure of the aircraft, for greater clarity.
  • the respiratory regulator 54 is advantageously designed to create an overpressure in the event of acceleration. For this, one can either add a weight to the regulator 54, or send it a signal from the regulator 53. In the second case, it will suffice to take the pressure between the seat 24 and the double valve 30 (FIG. 1) or else at the outlet of the regulator 54 and bring it to the regulator 53 via a pressure divider 55, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 6. In the first case, the arrangement shown diagrammatically in FIG. 7 can be adopted. compartment located behind the request membrane 56 is conventionally connected by a calibrated leak 57 to the oxygen supply and, by a passage controlled by an altimetric capsule 58, to the atmosphere of the cabin.
  • a flyweight 59 is interposed, designed to give an overpressure as a function of the acceleration significantly less increasing than that controlled by the flyweight 20. Because the overpressures controlled by the flyweight 59 will always remain weak, there is little inconvenience in adding the orders of the counterweight and the capsule. However, a mixture of orders by double valve assembly comparable to that of FIGS. 1 and 5 is possible.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne les installations destinées à fournir le mélange respiratoire aux membres d'équipage d'avion de combat et à les protéger contre les effets de l'accélération, du type comprenant un régulateur de mélange respiratoire, un régulateur anti-g commandant la pression de gaz dans les poches d'un pantalon de protection contre les accélérations, dont l'organe de détection est constitué par une masselotte déplaçable suivant la direction d'accélération à laquelle est sensible le porteur du pantalon et établissant, dans lesdites poches, une pression fonction croissante de l'accélération, et des moyens destinés à établir dans lesdites poches une pression fonction croissante de l'altitude.The present invention relates to installations intended to supply the respiratory mixture to the members of a combat aircraft crew and to protect them against the effects of acceleration, of the type comprising a respiratory mixture regulator, an anti-g regulator controlling the gas pressure in the pockets of pants for protection against acceleration, the detection member of which consists of a counterweight movable in the direction of acceleration to which the wearer of the pants is sensitive and establishing, in said pockets, a pressure increasing function of the acceleration, and means for establishing in said pockets a pressure increasing function of the altitude.

Le brevet US 3 672 384 décrit une installation de ce type, qui vise à remplir plusieurs fonctions:

  • -fournir aux membres de l'équipage du gaz respiratoire dont la composition et la pression s'adaptent automatiquement aux variations de l'altitude qui, sur certains avions en cours d'étude, approche de 30 000 m, ce qui implique, à défaut d'un scaphandre, l'emploi d'un casque sous pression;
  • - proteger ces membres d'équipage contre les effets de l'accélération par gonflage de poches prévues dans le pantalon lorsqu'une accélération élevée est détectée, en particulier en cas de ressource ou de virage serré.
    • Pour remplir correctement cette dernière fonction, le temps de réponse (c'est-à-dire le laps de temps qui s'écoule entre la réception de l'ordre de gonflage des poches et l'instant où la pression qui règne dans les poches s'est établie à une valeur suffisante) doit être faible: ce résultat est atteint en maintenant dans les poches une pression fonction croissante de l'altitude en l'absence d'accélération.
    • Pour atteindre ce résultat, l'installation décrite dans le brevet US 3 672 384 fait appel à deux régulateurs distincts de la pression dans les poches d'un pantalon de protection:
  • - un régulateur anti-g classique.
  • - un régulateur supplémentaire commandé exclusivement par lar pression respiratoire. La pression dans les poches s'établit à la plus élevée des deux valeurs fournies par les régulateurs, qui sera celle fournie par le régulateur anti-g en cas d'accélération. Lorsque l'accélération cease, il est nécessaire que la pression ne redescende qu'à la valeur la plus élevée de celles fournies par les régulateurs. Ce résultat est obtenu grâce à une vanne navette qui relie l'entrée de commande d'une vanne de dégonflage à la plus haute des pressions de masque et de vanne anti-g.
US Patent 3,672,384 describes an installation of this type, which aims to fulfill several functions:
  • -provide to the crew members breathing gas whose composition and pressure automatically adapt to variations in altitude which, on some aircraft under study, approaches 30,000 m, which implies, failing that a diving suit, the use of a helmet under pressure;
  • - protect these crew members against the effects of acceleration by inflating pockets provided in the pants when high acceleration is detected, in particular in the event of a resource or a tight turn.
    • To correctly fulfill this last function, the response time (i.e. the time that elapses between the reception of the bag inflating order and the moment when the pressure prevails in the pockets has established itself at a sufficient value) must be low: this result is achieved by maintaining in the pockets a pressure increasing function of the altitude in the absence of acceleration.
    • To achieve this result, the installation described in US Pat. No. 3,672,384 uses two separate pressure regulators in the pockets of protective pants:
  • - a classic anti-g regulator.
  • - an additional regulator controlled exclusively by the respiratory pressure. The pressure in the pockets is established at the higher of the two values provided by the regulators, which will be that provided by the anti-g regulator in the event of acceleration. When the acceleration ceases, it is necessary that the pressure drops only to the highest value of those supplied by the regulators. This is achieved by a shuttle valve that connects the control input of a deflation valve to the highest mask and anti-g valve pressures.

L'installation ainsi réalisé semble relativement simple lorsqu'on se borne à considérer un schéma. Dans la réalité, elle est très complexe du fait de la multiplication des régulateurs de pression dans les poches.The installation thus carried out seems relatively simple when one confines oneself to considering a diagram. In reality, it is very complex due to the multiplication of pressure regulators in the pockets.

La présente invention vise à fournir une installation dans laquelle les inconvénients des installations antérieures sont éliminés, au moins dans une large mesure, et 1'<iquipement individuel du pilote est simplifié.The present invention aims to provide an installation in which the drawbacks of earlier systems are eliminated, at least to a large extent, and 1 <i individual equipment driver is simplified.

Dans ce but, l'invention propose une installation du type ci-dessus dans laquelle lesdits moyens fournissent une information d'altitude au régulateur anti-g qui est réalisé pour établir dans lesdites poches celle des pressions, qui correspondent l'une à l'information fournie par la masselotte et l'autre à l'information fournie par lesdits moyens, qui est la plus élevée.To this end, the invention provides an installation of the above type in which said means provide altitude information to the anti-g regulator which is designed to establish in said pockets that of pressures, which correspond to the information provided by the flyweight and the other to the information provided by said means, which is the highest.

Une telle installation comporte un seul régulateur de pression dans les poches. Mais ce régulateur unique reçoit une information représentative de l'un ou de l'autre de deux paramètres différents (l'altitude ou l'accélération). La sélection du paramètre s'effectue automatiquement, avantageusement à l'aide d'une vanne navette. Mais cette navette ne remplit pas la même fonction que dans le brevet U.S. Elle sélectionne Ane pression de commande du régulateur l nique parmi les pressions correspondant l'une à l'information d'altitude, l'autre à l'information d'accélération. Elle intervient pour commander le gonflage aussi bien que le dégonflage des poches. Ce type de coopération permet de réaliser une installation beaucoup plus simple que celle de l'art antérieur.Such an installation comprises a single pressure regulator in the pockets. However, this single regulator receives information representative of one or the other of two different parameters (altitude or acceleration). The selection of the parameter takes place automatically, advantageously using a shuttle valve. But this shuttle does not fulfill the same function as in US Ane It selects the regulator control pressure the picnic among the pressures corresponding to one altitude information, the other information acceleration. It intervenes to control inflation as well as deflation of the pockets. This type of cooperation makes it possible to achieve a much simpler installation than that of the prior art.

Les moyens fournissant une information d'altitude peuvent être constitués par une capsule altimétrique associée à une soupape; ils peuvent également être constitués par une prise de pression sur le régulateur d'oxygène respiratoire que comporte également l'installation.The means providing altitude information can be constituted by an altimetric capsule associated with a valve; they can also be constituted by a pressure tap on the respiratory oxygen regulator that the installation also includes.

L'invention vise de plus à fournir une installation comportant une masselote de détection des accélérations perfectionnée et pouvant être réalisée sous forme miniaturisée.The invention further aims to provide an installation comprising a flyweight for detecting improved accelerations and which can be produced in miniaturized form.

Pour cela, la masselotte est constituée par une masse suspendue par une membrane disposée perpendiculairement à l'axe des accélérations à détecter, membrane disposée dans un plan passant approximativement par le centre de gravité de la masse.For this, the counterweight is constituted by a mass suspended by a membrane arranged perpendicular to the axis of the accelerations to be detected, membrane arranged in a plane passing approximately through the center of gravity of the mass.

Suivant un autre aspect encore de l'invention, le régulateur commandant la pression de gaz dans les poches du pantalon est muni de moyens permettant de prégonfler, sous une pression limitée, les poches du pantalon dès que les commandes de vol sont placées dans une position qui va provoquer une accélération de l'avion. Le temps de réponse est ainsi considérablement réduit et les membres de l'équipage bénéficient d'une protection dès qu'ils subissent l'accélération, ce qui n'est pas le cas à l'heure actuelle. Cette disposition est particulièrement aisée à mettre en oeuvre dans le cas des avions qui comportant un système de commande à transmission électrique, fré- quemment dénommé "fly by wire". En effet, le signal fourni au régulateur peut être directement dérivé de la commande. Un circuit correcteur, utilisant par exemple un amplificateur, un temporisateur, éventuellement un circuit proportionnel-intégral-dérivée, peut être utilisé pour adapter la commande au type particulier d'avion concerné.According to yet another aspect of the invention, the regulator controlling the gas pressure in the pants pockets is provided with means making it possible to pre-inflate, under limited pressure, the pants pockets as soon as the flight controls are placed in a position which will cause the aircraft to accelerate. The response time is thus considerably reduced and the crew members benefit from protection as soon as they undergo acceleration, which is not the case at present. This arrangement is particularly easy to implement in the case of airplanes which include a system of electric transmission control, often called "fly by wire". Indeed, the signal supplied to the regulator can be directly derived from the command. A correction circuit, using for example an amplifier, a timer, possibly a proportional-integral-derivative circuit, can be used to adapt the control to the particular type of aircraft concerned.

Quelle que soit la solution adoptée, on voit que le vêtement de protection peut se réduire à un pantalon anti-g, dont les poches sont également gonflables pour assurer la pressurisation nécessaire à haute altitude, et à un blouson pressurisé, sans qu'une liaison pneumatique soit nécessaire entre pantalon et blouson.Whatever solution is adopted, it can be seen that the protective clothing can be reduced to anti-g pants, the pockets of which are also inflatable to provide the necessary pressurization at high altitude, and to a pressurized jacket, without a binding. pneumatic is necessary between pants and jacket.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui suit de dispositifs qui en constituent des modes particulieurs de réalisation, donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs. La description se réfère aux dessins qui l'accompagnent, dans lesquels:

  • - la figure 1 est un schéma de principe de la partie anti-g de l'installation suivant l'invention;
  • - la figure 2 est une vue schématique en coupe de la masselotte de l'installation de la figure 1, dans la position qu'elle occupe en cas d'accélération;
  • - la figure 3 montre schématiquement la variation du volume V des poches de protection en fonction de la pression Ap par rapport à l'ambiance;
  • - les figures 4 et 5 montrent des régulateurs anti-g constituant des variantes de celui de la figure 1;
  • - la figure 6 est un diagramme par blocs montrant les principaux composants d'une installation;
  • - la figure 7 montre, de façon simplifiée, un régulateur respiratoire utilisable dans l'installation de la figure 6.
The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of devices which constitute particular embodiments thereof, given by way of nonlimiting examples. The description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:
  • - Figure 1 is a block diagram of the anti-g part of the installation according to the invention;
  • - Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of the counterweight of the installation of Figure 1, in the position it occupies in the event of acceleration;
  • - Figure 3 shows schematically the variation of the volume V of the protective bags as a function of the pressure Ap relative to the atmosphere;
  • - Figures 4 and 5 show anti-g regulators constituting variants of that of Figure 1;
  • - Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the main components of an installation;
  • FIG. 7 shows, in a simplified manner, a respiratory regulator usable in the installation of FIG. 6.

La figure 1 montre de façon extrêmement schématique et simplifiée la partie d'une installation qui est destinée à commander la pression dans les poches de pantalon du vêtement de protection contre les accélérations.Figure 1 shows in an extremely schematic and simplified way the part of an installation which is intended to control the pressure in the pants pockets of the protective clothing against accelerations.

L'installation est alimentée par une conduite 10 d'amenée de gaz sous pression. Ce gaz sera par exemple de l'oxygène provenant d'un convertisseur d'oxygène liquide embarqué, ou de l'air, sous une pression de quelques bars (5 bars par exemple). Les poches du pantalon sont reliées à l'installation par une conduite souple 11.The installation is supplied by a pipe 10 for supplying pressurized gas. This gas will for example be oxygen from an on-board liquid oxygen converter, or air, under a pressure of a few bars (5 bars for example). The pants pockets are connected to the installation by a flexible pipe 11.

L'installation représentée en figure 1 (où l'échelle n'est pas respectée) comporte un certain nombre d'organes qui sont classiques et ne seront en conséquence que brièvement décrits. Ces organes comprennent une soupape principale 12 constituée par un siège fixe et une membrane. En position de repos, la membrane est appliquée sur le siège et sépare les conduites 10 et 11. Lorsqu'une chambre de commande 13, délimitée par l'arrière de la membrane et le boîtier dans lequel elle est placée, est soumise à la pression régnant dans la conduite 10, la membrane est appliquée sur son siège et ferme le passage dans la siège.The installation shown in Figure 1 (where the scale is not respected) comprises a number of organs which are conventional and will therefore only be briefly described. These organs include a main valve 12 constituted by a fixed seat and a membrane. In the rest position, the membrane is applied to the seat and separates the lines 10 and 11. When a control chamber 13, delimited by the rear of the membrane and the box in which it is placed, is subjected to pressure reigning in line 10, the membrane is applied to its seat and closes the passage in the seat.

La pression qui règne dans la chambre 13, reliée à la conduite 10 par un orifice calibré 14, est commandée par un clapet pilote 15. Ce clapet pilote comporte une membrane sensible de régulation 16 commandant un élément d'obturation 17 qui coopère avec un siège fixe pour mettre en communication la chambre 13 avec la conduite 11.The pressure prevailing in the chamber 13, connected to the pipe 10 by a calibrated orifice 14, is controlled by a pilot valve 15. This pilot valve comprises a sensitive regulation membrane 16 controlling a closure element 17 which cooperates with a seat fixed to put the chamber 13 in communication with the pipe 11.

La pression qui règne à l'arrière de la membrane sensible 16 est à son tour déterminée par des clapets de commande et de sécurité. De façon classique, un clapet de sécurité 18, taré par exemple à 470 mbars, évite l'apparition d'une surpression excessive à l'arrière de la membrane 16. Une soupape 19 permet à l'air contenu dans les poches de s'échapper à l'atmosphère, dans la direction indiquée par la flèche F', lorsque la pression appliquée à l'arrière de la membrane 16 diminue.The pressure prevailing at the rear of the sensitive membrane 16 is in turn determined by control and safety valves. Conventionally, a safety valve 18, calibrated for example at 470 mbar, prevents the appearance of excessive overpressure at the rear of the membrane 16. A valve 19 allows the air contained in the pockets to escape the atmosphere, in the direction indicated by the arrow F ', when the pressure applied to the rear of the membrane 16 decreases.

Le clapet de commande en fonction de l'accélération est actionné par une masselotte perfectionnée par rapport à celles antérieurement connues.The control valve as a function of the acceleration is actuated by a flyweight improved compared to those previously known.

Cette masselote (figure 2) comporte une masse 20 de quelques dizaines de grammes contenue dans une chambre 21 ménagée dans un boîtier fixe et reliée à l'atmosphère. La masse 20 est portée par une membrane 22 dont la périphérie est fixée au boîtiér. Cette membrane est disposée transversalement au sens A des accélérations à détecter. Sa partie interne est fixée à demeure sur le pourtour de la masse 20, de telle façon que, au repos, le plan de la membrane passe approximativement par le centre de gravité de la masse 20. Dans la masse 20 est ménagée, dans un plan perpendiculaire à la direction A et passant approximativement par le centre de gravité de la masse, une face 23 munie d'un joint plat et destinée à s'appliquer de façon étanche contre un siège fixe 24 qui délimite un trou calibré de faible diamètre. Au repos, un ressort de rappel 25 écarte la face d'appui du siège 24. En cas d'accélération suivant la direction A, la face 23 vient s'appliquer sur le siège 24 et ferme l'orifice calibré comme indiqué sur la figure 2. Il faut noter au passage que le boîtier limite les déplacements de la masse 20 à partir du siège 24 à une longueur qui est très légèrement supérieure à la levée nécessaire.This feeder (Figure 2) has a mass 20 of a few tens of grams contained in a chamber 21 formed in a fixed housing and connected to the atmosphere. The mass 20 is carried by a membrane 22, the periphery of which is fixed to the housing. This membrane is arranged transversely to the direction A of the accelerations to be detected. Its internal part is fixed permanently to the periphery of the mass 20, so that, at rest, the plane of the membrane passes approximately through the center of gravity of the mass 20. In the mass 20 is formed, in a plane perpendicular to direction A and passing approximately through the center of gravity of the mass, a face 23 provided with a flat seal and intended to be applied sealingly against a fixed seat 24 which delimits a calibrated hole of small diameter. At rest, a return spring 25 spreads the bearing face of the seat 24. In the event of acceleration in direction A, the face 23 comes to apply on the seat 24 and closes the calibrated orifice as shown in the figure 2. It should be noted in passing that the housing limits the movements of the mass 20 from the seat 24 to a length which is very slightly greater than the lift required.

La membrane pourra être en silicone moulé et être fixée à la masse soit par surmoulage, soit par emboîtage. L'orifice délimité par le siège aura généralement un diamètre très faible, de 2 à 3 mm par exemple. On voit que le boîtier tout entier pourra être miniaturisé, surtout si l'on constitue le siège 24 par un saphir qui peut être percé d'un trou de très faible diamètre.The membrane may be made of molded silicone and be fixed to the mass either by overmolding or by fitting. The orifice delimited by the seat will generally have a very small diameter, from 2 to 3 mm for example. We see that the entire housing can be miniaturized, especially if we constitute the seat 24 by a sapphire which can be pierced with a hole of very small diameter.

La raideur du ressort pourra être telle que la masse 20 ne s'applique sur le siège 24 qu'à partir d'une accélération de 2 g environ.The stiffness of the spring may be such that the mass 20 only applies to the seat 24 from an acceleration of approximately 2 g.

La pression qui règne derrière la membrane 16 du clapet pilote est également modifiable en fonction de l'altitude.The pressure behind the membrane 16 of the pilot valve is also modifiable according to the altitude.

Dans ce but, l'installation comprend une capsule altimétrique 26 scellée, soumise à la pression qui règne dans la cabine, dont une extrémité est portée par un boîtier fixe et dont l'autre extrémité porte un élément d'obturation 27 muni d'un prolongateur 28. Lorsque la pression atmosphérique est proche de sa valeur au niveau de la mer, l'organe d'obturation 27 dégage une ouverture du boîtier. Au contraire, lorsque la pression dans la cabine descend à une valeur qui est par exemple inférieure à 200 mbars absolus, la capsule 26 se dilate et l'organe 27 tend à séparer l'intérieur du boîtier d'une chambre relais 29. Le passage dans le siège 24 ne communique avec l'arrière de la membrane 16 du clapet pilote que par l'intermédiaire de cette chambre relais. Pour éviter une interférence intempestive entre l'action de la masselotte et celle de la capsule altimétrique 26, la chambre relais 29 contient un clapet double 30 qu'une lame élastique de rappel 31 maintient au repos dans une position où il sépare la chambre relais du boîtier de la capsule et, par contre, relie la chambre relais 29 au passage dans le siège 24 (figure 1). Par contre, lorsque l'organe d'obturation 27 est appliqué sur son siège, le poussoir prolongateur 28 repousse le clapet double 30 et sépare la chambre relais 29 du passage ménagé dans le siège 24.For this purpose, the installation comprises a sealed altimetric capsule 26, subjected to the pressure prevailing in the cabin, one end of which is carried by a fixed housing and the other end of which carries a closure element 27 provided with a extender 28. When the atmospheric pressure is close to its value at sea level, the shutter member 27 releases an opening in the housing. On the contrary, when the pressure in the cabin drops to a value which is for example less than 200 mbar absolute, the capsule 26 expands and the member 27 tends to separate the interior of the housing from a relay chamber 29. The passage in the seat 24 communicates with the rear of the diaphragm 16 of the pilot valve only via this relay chamber. To avoid untimely interference between the action of the counterweight and that of the altimetric capsule 26, the relay chamber 29 contains a double valve 30 which an elastic return blade 31 maintains at rest in a position where it separates the relay chamber from the capsule housing and, on the other hand, connects the relay chamber 29 to the passage in the seat 24 (Figure 1). On the other hand, when the shutter member 27 is applied to its seat, the extension pusher 28 pushes the double valve 30 and separates the relay chamber 29 from the passage formed in the seat 24.

La surface d'action sur l'obturateur 27 de la pression qui règne dans la chambre relais 29 est choisie de façon que la pression dans cette chambre s'établisse à une valeur fonction de la pression dans la cabine, donc de l'altitude.The operating surface on the shutter 27 of the pressure prevailing in the relay chamber 29 is chosen so that the pressure in this chamber is established at a value which is a function of the pressure in the cabin, therefore of the altitude.

L'installation comporte également un orifice de fuite calibré 32 reliant la conduite 10 à la chambre relais et à l'arrière de la membrane 16.The installation also includes a calibrated leak orifice 32 connecting the line 10 to the relay chamber and to the rear of the membrane 16.

Dans l'installation représentée, le débit gazeux admis par la soupape 12 n'est pas envoyé directement dans les poches du pantalon de protection. Ce gaz est utilisé comme fluide d'entraînement dans un éjecteur 34 alimenté en air en provenance de la cabine par l'intermédiaire d'un clapet anti-retour 35.In the installation shown, the gas flow admitted by the valve 12 is not sent directly into the pockets of the protective pants. This gas is used as driving fluid in an ejector 34 supplied with air coming from the cabin via a non-return valve 35.

Cette disposition présente plusieurs avantages. Le débit primaire est considérablement plus faible que le débit à fournir au pantalon, ce qui permet de miniaturiser l'installation et notamment ses organes mobiles. On réduit de façon considérable la consommation de gaz provenant de la conduite 10, ce qui est particulièrement important dans le cas où ce gaz est constitué par de l'oxygène qui alimente également le dispositif respiratoire: le rapport des débits d'air entraîné et de gaz d'entraînement peut être de 8 à 1. Enfin, les pointes de débit sont considérablement réduites et deviennent compatibles avec les possibilités des convertisseurs d'oxygène liquide.This arrangement has several advantages. The primary flow is considerably lower than the flow to be supplied to the pants, which makes it possible to miniaturize the installation and in particular its moving parts. The consumption of gas from line 10 is considerably reduced, which is particularly important in the case where this gas consists of oxygen which also supplies the respiratory device: the ratio of the flow rates of entrained air and entrainment gas can be from 8 to 1. Finally, the flow peaks are considerably reduced and become compatible with the possibilities of liquid oxygen converters.

On a montré sur la figure 1, en tirets, des moyens permettant de prégonfler les poches du pantalon de protection avant même que la masselotte soit soumise à une accélération. Ces moyens comportent une électrovanne 36 et un circuit électrique 37 de commande. Cette disposition est particulièrement commode à mettre en oeuvre si l'avion est muni d'un système de gouverne à transmission d'ordres par voie électrique. Dans ce cas en effet, il suffit de prélever le signal électrique sur la transmission et de le traiter. Le mode de traitement utilisé dépendra d'une part, des caractéristiques aérodynamiques et de commande de l'avion, d'autre part, de paramètres de situation, tels que par exemple la vitesse, l'altitude, etc.We have shown in Figure 1, in dashes, means for pre-inflating the pockets of the protective pants even before the weight is subjected to acceleration. These means comprise a solenoid valve 36 and an electrical control circuit 37. This provision is particularly convenient to implement if the airplane is provided with a control system with electric transmission of orders. In this case, in fact, it suffices to take the electrical signal from the transmission and to process it. The processing mode used will depend on the one hand, on the aerodynamic and control characteristics of the aircraft, on the other hand, on situation parameters, such as for example the speed, the altitude, etc.

Dans la pratique, le circuit électrique comportera en général essentiellement un temporisateur qui, à réception d'un signal indiquant que la position de gouverne va provoquer une accélération suivant la direction A, appliquera à l'électrovanne 36 un signal d'ouverture pendant une durée prédéterminée, correspondant à l'établissement d'une pression appropriée (typiquement 3 secondes).In practice, the electrical circuit will in general essentially comprise a timer which, on reception of a signal indicating that the steering position will cause acceleration in direction A, will apply to the solenoid valve 36 an opening signal for a duration predetermined, corresponding to the establishment of an appropriate pressure (typically 3 seconds).

L'intérêt du prégonflage des poches du pantalon de protection contre les accélérations apparaît immédiatement si l'on se reporte à la figure 3, qui montre la variation du volume V de ces poches en fonction de la pression Ap par rapport à l'ambiance. Lorsqu'on admet du gaz sous pression dans les poches, à partir d'une conduite dont le débit est forcément limité, dans une première etape le volume des poches augmente. Puis, une fois les poches complètement dilatées, le volume ne change plus et la pression augmente jusqu'à atteindre la valeur qui règne dans la conduite d'alimentation.The advantage of pre-inflation of the pockets of the pants for protection against acceleration appears immediately if we refer to FIG. 3, which shows the variation in the volume V of these pockets as a function of the pressure Ap with respect to the atmosphere. When gas under pressure is admitted into the pockets, from a pipe whose flow is necessarily limited, in a first step the volume of the pockets increases. Then, once the bags are fully dilated, the volume does not change any more and the pressure increases until reaching the value prevailing in the supply line.

Le pilote n'est évidemment protégé qu'à partir du moment où la pression dans les poches est proche de la valeur définitive. Or, l'établissement de cette valeur peut nécessiter un temps de l'ordre de la seconde, suffisant pour que le pilote ait subi l'action des accélérations à un point tel que ses facultés s'en ressentent temporairement. Un prégonflage amenant, avant que les accélérations ne soient subies, le point représentatif de l'état des poches en 39, sur la figure 3, permet d'écarter les insuffisances des systèmes antérieurs.The pilot is obviously not protected until the pressure in the pockets is close to the final value. However, the establishment of this value may require a time of the order of a second, sufficient for the pilot to have undergone the action of accelerations to such an extent that his faculties are temporarily affected. A pre-inflation bringing, before the accelerations are undergone, the point representative of the state of the pockets at 39, in FIG. 3, makes it possible to eliminate the shortcomings of the previous systems.

Le prégonflage peut être effectué, comme indiqué sur la figure 1, à l'aide d'un système temporisateur qui limite indirectement la pression atteinte. On peut aussi utiliser un clapet taré associé à l'électrovanne 36, fermant l'alimentation dès que la pression arrive à la valeur indiquée par le point 39, qui peut par exemple correspondre à une pression de l'ordre des deux tiers de la pression définitive.Pre-inflation can be carried out, as shown in Figure 1, using a timer system which indirectly limits the pressure reached. It is also possible to use a calibrated valve associated with the solenoid valve 36, closing the supply as soon as the pressure reaches the value indicated by point 39, which can for example correspond to a pressure of the order of two-thirds of the pressure definitive.

La commande électrique sera prévue pour n'intervenir que si le braquage des gouvernes annonce une accélération supérieure au seuil normalement prévu pour les valves anti-g classiques, de l'ordre de 2 g en général.The electric control will be provided to intervene only if the steering locks indicate an acceleration greater than the threshold normally provided for conventional anti-g valves, of the order of 2 g in general.

Le mode de réalisation de la figure 1 est susceptible de nombreuses variantes. A titre d'exemple, celui schématisé sur la figure 4 (où seuls ont été représentés les éléments appartenant à un circuit différent de celui de la figure 1 ) ne comporte pas de clapet à double effet. Le point 38, auquel se raccordent le clapet de sécurité 18, la chambre arrière du clapet pilote 15, le clapet de retour 19 et l'orifice étranglé 32, est relié directement au siège 24. Mais la chambre 21 n'est pas reliée à l'atmosphère, mais à la chambre occupée par la capsule 26. Cette dernière chambre est de son côté reliée à l'atmosphère.The embodiment of FIG. 1 is susceptible of numerous variants. As an example, the one shown in Figure 4 (where only the elements belonging to a circuit different from that of FIG. 1 have been shown. do not have a double-acting valve. Point 38, to which the safety valve 18, the rear chamber of the pilot valve 15, the return valve 19 and the throttled orifice 32 are connected, is connected directly to the seat 24. However, the chamber 21 is not connected to the atmosphere, but to the chamber occupied by the capsule 26. This latter chamber is in turn connected to the atmosphere.

Ce mode de réalisation est plus simple que celui de la figure 1. Mais, en contrepartie, les effets du régulateur à masselotte et de la capsule altimétrique se cumulent. En d'autres termes, la surpression qui sera créée à la sortie de la soupape 12 sera la somme de la surpression fonction de l'accélération provoquée par le régulateur et de la surpression provoquée par la capsule altimétrique. Cette solution reste cependant fiable dans la plupart des cas. En effet, la surpression reste limitée à la valeur de tarage du clapet de sécurité 18 (470 mbars par exemple).This embodiment is simpler than that of FIG. 1. However, in return, the effects of the flyweight regulator and the altimetric capsule are cumulative. In other words, the overpressure which will be created at the outlet of the valve 12 will be the sum of the overpressure as a function of the acceleration caused by the regulator and the overpressure caused by the altimetric capsule. However, this solution remains reliable in most cases. In fact, the overpressure remains limited to the setting value of the safety valve 18 (470 mbar for example).

On. a également indiquée sur la figure 4 un montage classique de vérification avant le vol, dont peut également être équipé le dispositif de la figure 1. Ce dispositif de vérification est placé entre la sortie 39. de la chambre occupée par la capsule altimétrique 26 et l'atmosphère. Dans le cas de la figure 1, il serait placé entre la chambre 21 et l'atmosphère. Il comprend un bouton-poussoir 40 repoussé par un ressort dans une position où il laisse communiquer la sortie 39 et l'atmosphère. En pressant sur ce bouton, l'opérateur sépare la sortie 39 de l'atmosphère, la pression augmente derrière la membrane 16 du clapet pilote et les poches du pantalon de protection se gonflent jusqu'à un niveau de pression fixé par le clapet de vérification 41.We. also indicated in FIG. 4, a conventional pre-flight verification assembly, with which the device of FIG. 1 can also be fitted. This verification device is placed between the outlet 39. of the chamber occupied by the altimetric capsule 26 and the 'atmosphere. In the case of Figure 1, it would be placed between the chamber 21 and the atmosphere. It includes a push button 40 pushed by a spring in a position where it lets the outlet 39 communicate with the atmosphere. By pressing this button, the operator separates the outlet 39 from the atmosphere, the pressure increases behind the membrane 16 of the pilot valve and the pockets of the protective pants inflate to a pressure level fixed by the check valve 41.

Dans la variante de réalisation montrée schématiquement en figure 5, comme dans le cas de la figure 1, il n'y a pas addition des ordres, mais prépondérance de calui qui fixe la surpression la plus élevée. Le dispositif est alimenté, d'une part, par la conduite d'alimenta- . tion normale 10 en oxygène, d'autre part, par la conduite d'alimentation de secours 42 portée par le siège éjectable. Sur la figure 5, les elé- ments correspondant à ceux déjà figure 1 portent le même numéro de référence. On retrouve la masselotte 20 et ses systèmes annexes ainsi que la capsule altimétrique 26. Au lieu de pré- . voir un orifice calibré 32 alimentant le point 38, le dispositif comporte un premier orifice calibré 43 reliant la conduite d'alimentation normale 10 au passage ménagé dans le siège 24 de la masselotte et un second orifice calibré 44 reliant la conduite de secours 42 au passage de liaison entre la chambre occupée par la capsule 26 et le clapet double 30. Celui-ci n'est pas muni de ressort de rappel. Le clapet principal 12 est alimenté à partir de la conduite normale 10.In the variant embodiment shown diagrammatically in FIG. 5, as in the case of FIG. 1, there is no addition of orders, but preponderance of calui which fixes the highest overpressure. The device is supplied, on the one hand, by the supply line. normal oxygen 10, on the other hand, by the emergency supply line 42 carried by the ejection seat. In FIG. 5, the elements corresponding to those already in FIG. 1 have the same reference number. We find the counterweight 20 and its ancillary systems as well as the altimeter capsule 26. Instead of pre-. see a calibrated orifice 32 supplying point 38, the device comprises a first calibrated orifice 43 connecting the normal supply line 10 to the passage formed in the seat 24 of the counterweight and a second calibrated orifice 44 connecting the emergency line 42 to the passage connecting the chamber occupied by the capsule 26 and the double valve 30. The latter is not provided with a return spring. The main valve 12 is supplied from the normal pipe 10.

Cette disposition permet, en cas d'éjection, de réserver l'alimentation de secours, de capacité limitée, aux fonctions indispensables, comme on va le voir maintenant.This arrangement makes it possible, in the event of ejection, to reserve the emergency power supply, of limited capacity, for the essential functions, as will be seen now.

La conduite normale 10 est généralement alimentée par un convertisseur d'oxygène liquide 46 porté par l'avion. La conduite de secours 42 est munie d'une bouteille de gaz comprimé 47, munie d'un détendeur 48, portée par le siège. Un clapet anti-retour 49 permet au convertisseur 46 d'alimenter également la conduite de secours 42, sauf en cas d'éjection.The normal pipe 10 is generally supplied by a liquid oxygen converter 46 carried by the aircraft. The emergency line 42 is provided with a compressed gas cylinder 47, provided with a pressure reducer 48, carried by the seat. A non-return valve 49 allows the converter 46 to also supply the emergency line 42, except in the event of ejection.

En fonctionnement normal, le convertisseur 46 alimente les poches du pantalon (fonction anti-g). Il alimente également le masque ou le casque du pilote et les poches du blouson (fonctions respiratoires et pressurisation).In normal operation, the converter 46 feeds the pants pockets (anti-g function). It also supplies the pilot's mask or helmet and the jacket pockets (respiratory functions and pressurization).

En cas d'éjection à haute altitude, les poches du pantalon sont déjà gonflées; la fonction anti- . g ne peut plus être remplie, le siège 24 de la masselotte 20 perdant son alimentation; le clapet 49 se ferme, isolant la conduite 42 qui continue à alimenter la compartiment de la capsule 26. Celle-ci va, au fur et à mesure de la descente en parachute, diminuer la pression dans les poches du pantalon en diminuant la pression qui règne derrière le clapet 19.In the event of high altitude ejection, the pants pockets are already inflated; the anti-function. g can no longer be filled, the seat 24 of the counterweight 20 losing its power; the valve 49 closes, isolating the pipe 42 which continues to supply the compartment of the capsule 26. This will, as the descent by parachute, reduce the pressure in the pockets of the pants by reducing the pressure which reigns behind the valve 19.

En montant plusieurs clapets doubles tels que 30 en cascade, on peut mélanger un nombre d'ordres supérieur à deux, en donnant prépondérance à celui qui est le plus fort.By mounting several double valves such as 30 in cascade, one can mix a number of orders greater than two, giving preponderance to the one which is stronger.

On peut remplacer la capsule altimétrique 26 par une prise de pression à partir du régulateur à la demande qui fournit du gaz respiratoire au porteur du pantalon. La prise peut être faite sur l'étage haute pression du régulateur, avec réduction intermédiaire de pression. Elle peut aussi être faite sur la sortie d'utilisation. Le clapet double 30 évite dans le cas des figures 1 et 5 toute action de la masselotte 20 sur la pression du mélange respiratoire. Le régulateur est par exemple du type décrit dans le brevet FR 74 34826, publié sous le n° 2 288 346.The altimeter capsule 26 can be replaced by a pressure tap from the demand regulator which supplies breathing gas to the wearer of the pants. The intake can be made on the high pressure stage of the regulator, with intermediate pressure reduction. It can also be done on exit from use. In the case of FIGS. 1 and 5, the double valve 30 avoids any action of the counterweight 20 on the pressure of the respiratory mixture. The regulator is for example of the type described in patent FR 74 34826, published under the number 2 288 346.

On a jusqu'ici décrit essentiellement la commande de la pression dans les poches du pantalon pour remplir les fonctions de protection anti-g et de pressurisation. Comme on l'a indiqué plus haut, le régulateur de mélange respiratoire de l'installation est avantageusement prévu pour coopérer avec le régulateur anti-g à la protection contre les accélérations.The control of the pressure in the pockets of the pants has hitherto been mainly described to fulfill the functions of anti-g protection and pressurization. As indicated above, the breathing mixture regulator of the installation is advantageously designed to cooperate with the anti-g regulator for protection against acceleration.

Pour mieux faire apparaître cette coopération, on a représenté sur la figure 6 un diagramme par blocs d'un exemple de réalisation. La figure 6 montre le blouson 50 et le pantalon 51 qui constituent le vêtement de protection du pilote, muni par ailleurs d'un casque de pressurisation 52. Le régulateur anti-g 53, par exemple du type illustré en figure 5, est alimenté par le convertisseur 46 ou par une autre source, telle que le compresseur d'un turboréacteur (comme représenté en tirets). Le régulateur de mélange respiratoire 54 est alimenté normalement par le convertisseur 46 et en secours par la bouteille 47. Il alimente le blouson 50 et le casque 52. Sur la figure, un trait mixte sépare les organes portés par le siège de ceux portés par la structure de l'avion, pour plus de clarté.To better show this cooperation, there is shown in Figure 6 a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 6 shows the jacket 50 and the pants 51 which constitute the pilot's protective clothing, moreover provided with a pressurization helmet 52. The anti-g regulator 53, for example of the type illustrated in FIG. 5, is powered by the converter 46 or by another source, such as the compressor of a turbojet engine (as shown in dashes). The respiratory mixture regulator 54 is normally supplied by the converter 46 and back-up by the bottle 47. It supplies the jacket 50 and the helmet 52. In the figure, a dashed line separates the organs carried by the seat from those carried by the structure of the aircraft, for greater clarity.

Le régulateur respiratoire 54 est avantageusement prévu pour créer une surpression en cas d'accélération. Pour cela, on peut soit ajouter au régulateur 54 une masselotte, soit lui faire parvenir un signal provenant du régulateur 53. Dans la second cas, il suffira de prélever la pression entre le siège 24 et le clapet double 30 (figure 1 ) ou bien à la sortie du régulateur 54 et de l'amener au régulateur 53 par l'intermédiaire d'un diviseur de pression 55, comme schématisé sur la figure 6. Dans le premier cas, on peut adopter la disposition schématisée sur la figure 7. Le compartiment situé en arrière de la membrane de demande 56 est relié de façon classique par une fuite calibrée 57 à l'alimentation en oxygène et, par un passage commandé par une capsule altimétrique 58, à l'atmosphère de la cabine. Mais, sur le trajet entre la capsule et l'atmosphère, est interposée une masselotte 59, prévue pour donner une surpression en fonction de l'accélération nettement moins croissante que celle commandée par la masselotte 20. Du fait que les surpressions commandées par la masselotte 59 resteront toujours faibles, il y a peu d'inconvénient à additionner les ordres de la masselotte et de la capsule. Cependant, un montage à mélange des ordres par clapet double comparable à celui des figures 1 et 5 est possible.The respiratory regulator 54 is advantageously designed to create an overpressure in the event of acceleration. For this, one can either add a weight to the regulator 54, or send it a signal from the regulator 53. In the second case, it will suffice to take the pressure between the seat 24 and the double valve 30 (FIG. 1) or else at the outlet of the regulator 54 and bring it to the regulator 53 via a pressure divider 55, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 6. In the first case, the arrangement shown diagrammatically in FIG. 7 can be adopted. compartment located behind the request membrane 56 is conventionally connected by a calibrated leak 57 to the oxygen supply and, by a passage controlled by an altimetric capsule 58, to the atmosphere of the cabin. However, on the path between the capsule and the atmosphere, a flyweight 59 is interposed, designed to give an overpressure as a function of the acceleration significantly less increasing than that controlled by the flyweight 20. Because the overpressures controlled by the flyweight 59 will always remain weak, there is little inconvenience in adding the orders of the counterweight and the capsule. However, a mixture of orders by double valve assembly comparable to that of FIGS. 1 and 5 is possible.

La mise du mélange respiratoire sous une surpression qui augmente en fonction de l'accélération évite l'écrasement des alvéoles pulmonaires. Une surpression de 5 à 10 mbars/g est suffisante. On voit donc qu'elle est beaucoup plus faible que la pression Ap de gonflage des poches.Putting the respiratory mixture under an overpressure which increases with acceleration prevents crushing of the pulmonary alveoli. An overpressure of 5 to 10 mbar / g is sufficient. It can therefore be seen that it is much lower than the pressure Ap for inflating the pockets.

Quel que soit le mode de réalisation utilisé, on voit qu'il est possible de simplifier de façon importante le vêtement de protection: en effet, un seul et même jeu de poches de pantalon permet d'assurer la protection contre les effets de l'accélération et contre la dépression en altitude, y compris en cas de bris de verrière ou d'éjection.Whatever the embodiment used, it can be seen that it is possible to significantly simplify the protective clothing: in fact, one and the same set of pants pockets makes it possible to ensure protection against the effects of the acceleration and against depression at altitude, including in the event of glass breakage or ejection.

Claims (10)

1. Apparatus for delivering the breathing mixture to the members of the crew of a fighter aircraft and for protecting said crew members against the effects of acceleration, comprising a respiratory mixture regulator, an anti-g regulator controlling the gas pressure in the pockets of an acceleration protection cruiser, wherein the detection element of the anti-g regulator consists in an inertia body movable along the acceleration direction along which the trousers wearer is sensitive, and establish in said pockets a pressure which is an increasing function of the acceleration, and means for establishing in said pockets a pressure which is an increasing function of the altitude, characterized in that said means deliver an altitude information to said anti-g regulator which is constructed for setting a pressure in said pockets which is the higher one of the pressures which correspond to the information delivered by the inertia weight (20) and to the information delivered by said means (26) respectively.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for delivering an altitude information to the anti-g regulator consists of an altimetric capsule (26) associated with a valve (27) or of a pressure pick-up on the respiratory mixture regulator.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the inertia weight (20) . consists of a mass suspended by a diaphragm (22) placed perpendicular to the axis of the accelerations to be detected and in a plane passing approximately through the center of gravity of the mass which is formed with a surface perpendicular to the direction of the acceleration to be detected, passing through the center of gravity of the mass and arranged for cooperation with the fixed seat (24) under the action of said accelerations, against the force of resilient return means (25).
4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, fed with pressurized oxygen, characterised in that said anti-g regulator comprises a venturi ejector nozzle (34) for diluting the oxygen flow with air coming from the cabin.
5. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a breathing mixture regulator provided with a system (55 or 59) for causing the mixture to be over-pressurized in response to an acceleration.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the other pressure is controlled either by an additional inertia body (59) arranged, for the same amount of acceleration, . to cause an over-pressure less than that controlled by the inertia body of the anti-g regulator, or by an order coming from the anti-g regulator through a pressure divider (55).
7. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one double action valve (30) for mixing orders coming from different regulation elements, such as the element (20) for detecting accelerations and the element (26, 27) responsive to the altitude, for setting the pressure in the pockets of the protective trousers (51) in response to that order which corresponds to the higher pressure.
8. Apparatus according to claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the anti-g regulator comprises a main valve (12) located between a pressurized gas supply and said pockets, whose movable element consists of a diaphragm subjected to a pressure metered by a pilot valve (15) controlled by the pressure which prevails in a chamber supplied through a pressure pick-up from the breathing mixture regula or and from the outlet of a valve controlled by the inertia body and comprising and automatic double action valve (30) which separates the chamber from the supply at the lower pressure.
9. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said anti-g regulator comprises, in addition to the detection element consisting of an inertia body (20), means (36, 37) for pre-inflating under a limited pressure the pockets of the trousers responsive to an electrical order from the flight controls when the latter are placed in a position which will cause an acceleration.
10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a source of oxygen for normal supply, such as a liquid oxygen converter (46) and an emergency source (47) fast with the ejection seat of the crew member, characterized by means (49) for inhibiting control of the supply of the trousers pockets by the inertia body of the anti-g regulator after bailing out.
EP19780400042 1977-07-01 1978-06-29 Device to afford respiration and protection against acceleration in combat aircraft Expired EP0000312B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR7720345 1977-07-01
FR7720345A FR2395890A1 (en) 1977-07-01 1977-07-01 RESPIRATORY AND ACCELERATION PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR COMBAT AIRCRAFT

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EP0000312A1 EP0000312A1 (en) 1979-01-10
EP0000312B1 true EP0000312B1 (en) 1982-07-14

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EP (1) EP0000312B1 (en)
DE (1) DE2861948D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2395890A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2395890A1 (en) 1979-01-26
FR2395890B1 (en) 1983-07-29
EP0000312A1 (en) 1979-01-10
DE2861948D1 (en) 1982-09-02
US4230097A (en) 1980-10-28

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