EP0603027B1 - Device for assembling at least one visor on a helmet - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a system for holding at least one visor on a pilot's helmet.

Generally, helmets are intended to protect the pilot in the event of an impact. For this purpose, they generally consist, on the one hand, of a shell allowing the protection of the pilot's skull, and on the other hand, of a visor intended to protect the face and also to ensure visual comfort in the atmosphere aggressive (wind, dust, light, fog ...).

Different treatments are carried out on the materials constituting the visors in order to give them protection with respect to a certain environment. Thus, a pilot may in particular have at his disposal transparent anti-reflection visors, sun visors, visors tinted for foggy weather, anti-laser visors, or even visors treated for nuclear flashes.

In the particular field of aeronautics, the pilot of an aircraft may have to use several visors during the time of his mission, depending on the environment.

Thus, the visor mounted on the helmet must be able to be easily and quickly removed and then replaced by another visor.

Helmets equipped with several visors have already been developed with the aim of reducing the need to completely remove one visor and replace it with another. These visors are then retractable in the upper part of the helmet to allow the pilot on the one hand to choose his visor, and on the other hand, to put on and take off his helmet. The pilot can also combine the use of the visors that he has at his disposal. In order to allow the pilot to move the visor between an operational position and a retracted position, it is known to use visors provided with guide pads, mounted on slides, see for example document DE-A-1 947 919.

Finally, such helmets are generally provided with an upper cover for protecting the visors when the latter are retracted, so as to protect the visors from bumps, scratches, to which they could be exposed.

These helmets of the prior art have drawbacks, however:

First of all, due to weight and space constraints, it is rare for such helmets to be equipped with more than two visors.

It therefore remains necessary to remove all the visors in order to be able to change them, either because they have been damaged or because they no longer meet the needs of the pilot for his mission.

However, the current retention systems for sets of visors do not meet the two criteria of ease and speed of interchangeability. In fact, the attachments are made by means of screws, and the pilot must, to change his set of visors, use tools such as a screwdriver on the one hand, remove the entire helmet, and on the other hand , remove the visors from the assembly.

The present invention seeks to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a system for holding at least one visor on a helmet, which system facilitates the interchangeability of the visors, their maintenance in the event of damage, and allows the pilot to easily and quickly reconfigure his equipment himself during a mission, without requiring tools.

More specifically, the invention relates to a holding system as defined in claims 1 to 9.

• La figure 1 illustre sommairement un casque équipé de deux visières maintenues par le système selon l'invention;
• La figure 2 est une vue de côté gauche du casque de la figure 1 illustrant le système de l'invention;
• La figure 2A est une vue suivant la coupe 2A-2A de la figure 2;
• La figure 2B est une vue suivant la coupe 2B-2B de la figure 2;
• Les figures 3A et 3B sont des coupes transversales respectivement de la visière externe 2a et de la visière interne 2b de la figure 1 ;
• Les figures 4A à 4C représentent différentes situations

montrant différentes étapes de fonctionnement du système selon l'invention.The invention, as well as its advantages, will be better understood in the light of the following description, given with reference to the appended figures, which represent a preferential but non-limiting arrangement of the system according to the invention:

• Figure 1 briefly illustrates a helmet equipped with two visors held by the system according to the invention;
• Figure 2 is a left side view of the helmet of Figure 1 illustrating the system of the invention;
• Figure 2A is a view along section 2A-2A of Figure 2;
• Figure 2B is a view along section 2B-2B of Figure 2;
• Figures 3A and 3B are cross sections respectively of the outer visor 2a and the inner visor 2b of Figure 1;
• Figures 4A to 4C show different situations

showing different stages of operation of the system according to the invention.

FIG. 1 briefly illustrates the object of the invention by showing a simplified view of a pilot's helmet 1 equipped with a holding system according to the invention. In the nonlimiting example of FIG. 1, the system shown makes it possible to hold and guide two visors, a so-called external visor 2a, and a so-called internal visor 2b.

More precisely, the helmet 1 of FIG. 1 consists of a shell 10, intended, as we said previously, to protect the skull of the pilot. The helmet 1 is equipped with the external visor 2a and the internal visor 2b, these two visors being here shown in combined use, that is to say in the low or operational position.

According to the invention, the system for holding these visors comprises two parts 3 for holding and guiding preferably located symmetrically on either side of the helmet 1, on the lateral parts of the shell 10. These two parts 3 are advantageously of symmetrical structure with respect to the plane of symmetry of the hull 10.

In the operational situation, each piece 3 for holding and guiding is, according to the invention, kept fixed in a first place to the shell 10 of the helmet 1 by means of a fixing device 4 cooperating with first means (not visible on Figure 1) located on part 3. The fixing device is in this case in a so-called attachment position. In addition, in a second so-called release position, the fixing device 4 releases the first means of the part, which is no longer fixed at said first location, to the shell 10.

Furthermore, the holding system according to the invention comprises, on either side of the shell 10, a retaining device 5, which device 5 cooperates with second means that are not visible and located at a second location in the room, advantageously separate from the first, so that the latter remains attached to the shell 10, when the fixing device 4 is in its release position. In this case, and according to an important characteristic of the invention, the retaining device 5 leaves the part 3 freedom to move between two positions, a first position for which the visors can be easily and completely removed from the helmet, and a second position in which the fastening device 4 can again cooperate with the first means of the part 3.

In the preferred but nonlimiting embodiment shown in the figures, the retaining device 5 is a pivot perpendicular to the shell 10, around which the part 3 can rotate when the fixing device 4 is in the release position.

The first and second locations, respectively for fixing and retaining the part 3, are preferably placed at the ends of the part 3.

In the example of FIG. 1, the upper part 30 of the guide and holding part 3 has a convex shape and comprises, over substantially its entire length, two slides 30a, 30b each accommodating a guide shoe which is not visible respectively of the visors 2a and 2b. The slides must extend longitudinally along a path that allows the visors to go from their retracted position to their operational position.

The operating principle of the system according to the invention is as follows:

During a mission, the pilot can choose to use one and / or the other of the two visors.

Control means not shown in FIG. 1, and linked to each visor, allow the pilot to lower one and / or the other of the visors, or instead place them in the retracted position by moving them on their slides. respective.

When the pilot wants to change one and / or the two visors, he just has to put in the release position, on each side of the helmet, the fastening devices 4 of the two parts 3. The parts 3 can then, according to the invention, move between two positions, that is to say in the case described, rotate around the axes of the pivots 5. In addition, the slides 30a and 30b have one end opening out at the free end of the pieces of guiding and holding 3. Thus, by means of the control means for the visors not shown in FIG. 1, the pilot can guide the visors on the slides until they come completely out of these slides at the through ends.

It can then replace them with other visors which it engages at the open ends of the slides, and which it slides, using the control means, on these slides. It then suffices for it to rotate the guide parts 3 in the opposite direction and to fix them again to the shell 10 of the helmet by means of the fixing devices 4.

After this summary description of the principle of the system which is the subject of the invention, we will proceed to a more detailed description of examples of embodiment of the various elements of the system:

Figure 2 is a view of the left side of the helmet illustrating the holding and guiding part 3, comprising the first and second non-visible means, and cooperating, as we said above, with the fixing device 4, and with the retaining device 5, with respective axes 40 and 50 substantially perpendicular to the shell of the helmet. In this preferred embodiment illustrated here, the fixing device 4 comprises a locking wheel 41, and the retaining device 5 comprises a screw 51 whose function we will specify later.

The lower part of the part 3 here has a concave shape similar to those of the slides.

It can also be provided with notches 32 extending longitudinally over all or part of this lower part, so as to give the visors the possibility of having intermediate positions, between their retracted position and their operational position.

FIG. 2A is a view along section 2A-2A of FIG. 2, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a pivoting retaining device 5 and of its cooperation with the guide piece 3. A portion of the shell 10 of the helmet as well as a portion of an optional protective cover 6 which was not shown in the preceding figures, and the advantages of which we will describe below. The assembly constituted by the shell 10, the holding and guiding part 3, and optionally by the cover 6, is held by the pivot 5 consisting of an axis 50 passing through a hole 32 formed in the part 3, which hole constitutes the second means cooperating with the retaining device 4. The two ends of the axis 50 respectively pass through the shell 10 through a hole 11 and the cover of protection 6 by a hole 62. These two ends are respectively closed by two fixing elements, for example by a nut 52 placed concentrically on the axis 50, on the internal part of the shell 10, and by a screw 51 fixed axially in a suitable housing 53 of the axis 50. The protective cover 6 and the holding and guiding part 3 can, according to the invention, pivot around the axis 50 of the pivot 5 to allow the change of visors. The guide piece 3 of the visors is preferably closed at this precise location by the bottom 33 of the slides, and therefore constitutes a stop limiting the low position (operational position) of the visors.

Figure 2B is a view along section 2B-2B of Figure 2, illustrating an embodiment of a fixing device 4 and its cooperation with the guide piece 3 in the attachment position. Appear in this figure a portion of the shell 10 of the helmet, a portion of the protective cover 6, and a portion of the guide piece 3 having the two slides 30a, 30b. The fixing device 4 is for example constituted by an axis 40 substantially perpendicular to the shell 10 and one end of which passes through a hole 100 made in the shell 10. This end of the axis 40 is fixed to the shell by means fixing, for example a nut 42 axially closing a threaded end 41 emerging from the axis 40, on the internal side of the shell 10. At its second end located on the external side of the cover 6, the axis 40 is closed by example by a wheel 43 constituting closure means. This fixing device 4 allows rapid attachment and release of the part 3. In fact, the part 3 and the cover 6, if the latter is present, both include a through notch, referenced respectively 51 and 61. When the pilot wants to attach the part 3 to this place, he just has to bring the part 3 and the cover 6 towards the axis 40 so that the axis 40 comes to lodge in the notches 31 and 61, then to tighten the wheel 43. This being of a larger diameter than the notches, it pinches the cover 6 and the part 3, thus fixing them to the shell 10. Likewise, the rapid release of the part 3 and the cover 6 is carried out by loosening the wheel 43, and by lifting the cover-piece assembly along a trajectory represented by the curve 7 in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2B, an axial washer 44 positioned after the wheel 43, makes it possible to avoid loosening the knob 43 during vibrations. A spacer 45 located axially between the two walls of the slot of the slide 30a makes it possible to keep, when the wheel is tightened, a spacing between these two walls. Of course, the fixing device 4 which has just been described in relation to FIG. 2B can be produced by any other known means.

Likewise, FIGS. 2B show grooves 30a and 30b of preferentially different cross-section, this to advantageously allow the pilot to know which visor to put in such or such slide. In this order of idea, the part 3 which is located on the other side of the shell 10 has the same slides, advantageously reversed in their position.

The description of the visors which will follow, with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, will make it possible to better understand the cooperation of the visors with the slides:

Figures 3A and 3B are cross sections, respectively, of the outer visor 2a and the inner visor 2b. The right part of each figure is intended to cooperate with the slides 30a and 30b of Figure 2B.

The visor 2a (respectively 2b) firstly consists of a part 20a (respectively 20b) intended to be placed before the eyes of the pilot. The visor 2a (respectively 2b) is equipped on each of its sides with guide pads 21a, 22a (respectively 21b, 22b). The shape of these guide pads differs depending on the shape of the slide of the part 3 which will accommodate them. The visors 2a and 2b are also provided with control means 23 allowing the pilot to guide the visors between their different positions on the slides. These control means are for example constituted by a lever substantially in the shape of an "L", one end 23a of which is fixed perpendicular to the side of the visor by any known fixing means, and the other end is provided with a button. 23b, the shape of which will preferably be studied to facilitate the operation of the lever to the pilot. When the visor is positioned on the helmet, the button of the control means is on the outside of the part 3 and of the cover 6, in order to allow the pilot to access it. He can then activate the visor in its different positions by pushing or pulling the button 23b sideways. Preferably, the control means of the internal visor are not arranged on the same side of the helmet as those of the internal visor, this in order to limit the risks of confusion between the control button.

FIGS. 3A and 3B also show an optional indexing device 24, located on the same side of the visor as the control means 23 for this visor. This device is only useful when the part 3 is provided with notches 32 on its lower part (see FIG. 2). When the visor is installed in the slide of the parts 3, the upper part of the device 24 is a finger 25 which abuts in the notches under the action of a spring 26. The pilot can then, by actuation of the control means 23, choose intermediate positions for its visor.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate different possibilities of using a helmet provided with a holding system according to the invention. In these three figures, are represented, with the same references taken previously, the shell 10 of the helmet, the external visor 2a with its control means 23, the internal visor 2b, the part 3 for holding and guiding, as well as the device fastening device 4 and the retaining device 5.

These three figures also show a protective cover 6, integral with the parts 3, which covers the visors and the part 3, without covering the control means 23. Its use can be advantageous. Indeed, in addition to its primary function of protecting the visors when the latter are in the retracted position, the cover 6 is integral with the two parts 3 located on either side of the helmet. The cover therefore also has the function of synchronizing the movement of the parts 3 in their rotation around the pivot 5.

To avoid that the cover 6 is too bulky, its upper part is, in the operational position, almost in the extension of the shell 10. At the single point of contact 11 between the cover 6 and the shell 10, on which a part 60 of the cover 6 abuts, the shell 10 has a recess so as to leave a space (E) sufficient for the passage of the visors.

In the case of FIG. 4a, the fixing device 4 is in the attachment position, the external visor 2a is in the operational position, and the internal visor 2b is practically retracted on the upper part of the shell. The extreme position of the retraction is at the device 4, which constitutes in this attachment position, a stop.

In the case of FIG. 4b, the pilot has returned, by means of the button 23b of the control means 23, the external visor 2a to the quasi-retracting position. The fixing device 4 is still in the attachment position, the part 3, and the cover 6 thus being securely fixed to the shell 10.

In FIG. 4c on the other hand, the fixing device 4 is in the release position. The notches 31 and 61 of the parts 3 and of the cover 6 having been released, the assembly constituted by the parts 3, the cover 6 and the visors 2a, 2b, can pivot around the axis of the pivot 5.

By sliding the visors towards the rear of the helmet by actuation of the control means 23, it is therefore possible to completely remove them from these slides, and replace them with other visors.

It is understood that the shapes of the parts 3 as shown in the different figures are in no way limitative of the system according to the invention.

However, they have the advantage of not being too bulky by having an arcuate shape substantially along the path of the slides. For reasons of weight, preferably plastic will be used to make these parts 3.

In addition, although mobile visors have been shown along a trajectory included in a plane parallel to the lateral sides of the helmet, the system according to the invention can quite be adapted for much more complex trajectories.

Furthermore, the two fixing and retaining locations will preferably be chosen, at the level of the shell, to satisfy the weight distribution constraints on the helmet. They can for example be reversed, which will then allow the visors to be removed, not from the rear, but from the front.

Claims (9)

1. System for holding at least one visor (2a; 2b) which can move between a retracted position and at least one operational position on a helmet (1) of the type including a shell (10), the system being characterized in that it comprises, on each lateral part of the shell (10):

   - a component (3) for holding and for guiding the visor;

   - a device (4) for fixing the component (3) to the shell (10); and

   - a device (5) for retaining the component (3) on the shell (10);

   the component (3) including a slideway (30a; 30b) which, via one of its ends, can accommodate a runner (22a, 22b) for guiding the visor (2a; 2b) and, at two points along the component, a first and a second means (31, 32) which can interact with the fixing device (4) and the retaining device (5), respectively;
   the fixing device (4) being securely attached to the shell (10) and interacting, in an attachment position, with the first means (31) of the component in order to keep it fixed to the shell (10) and, in a release position, releasing these first means;
   the retaining device (5) interacting, when the fixing device (4) is in the release position, with the second means (32) for keeping the component (3) attached to the shell (10) while leaving it free to move between two positions, a first position, in which the runner (22a; 22b) of the visor can be extracted from the slideway (30a; 30b) without knocking against the shell (10), and a second position in which the fixing device (4) can interact with the first means (31).
2. Holding system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the fixing device (4) consists of a spindle (40) substantially perpendicular to the shell (10), a first end of this spindle passing through a hole (100) made in the shell and being fixed to the shell by fixing means (41, 42), the second end of the spindle being closed by closure means (43), and in that the first means (31) of the component (3), which interact with the fixing device in the attaching position, consist of an open recess (31) which comes to bear on the spindle (40), the closure means (43) then being tightened so as to hold the component fixed to the shell.
3. Holding system according to Claim 2, characterized in that the fixing means consist of a nut (42) which fits concentrically onto a threaded end (41) of the spindle (40) protruding from the inside of the shell.
4. Holding system according to either one of Claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the closure means consist of a knurled knob (43) arranged axially on the second end of the spindle, the knurled knob having a larger diameter than the recess (31).
5. Holding system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining device (5) consists of a pivot composed of a spindle part (50) substantially perpendicular to the shell (10) passing right through the shell via a hole (11), and the component (3) via a hole (32) constituting the said second means, and closed at its two ends by two fixing elements (51, 52) and in that the component (3) can turn in rotation about the spindle part (50) of the pivot when the fixing device (4) is in the release position.
6. Holding system according to Claim 5, characterized in that the two fixing elements consist, on the one hand, of a nut (52) placed concentrically over the spindle part (50) of the pivot on the internal side of the shell (10) and, on the other hand, of a screw (51) fixed axially in an appropriate housing (53) of the spindle part (50) of the pivot.
7. Holding system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component (3) extends longitudinally along the lateral part of the shell (10) and has a convex upper part (30), comprising the slideway, along substantially its entire length.
8. Holding system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component (3) has a concave lower part which follows the path of the slideway and is fitted with notches (32) extending longitudinally along all or some of the lower part, these interacting with an indexing device (24) situated on the visor so as to allow this visor to have intermediate positions.
9. Holding device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also holds a protective cover (6) covering and securely attached to the two components (3) and including an upper part under which the visor is placed in the retracted position, inside a space (E) situated between the shell (10) and the upper part.

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