EP1077743B1 - Protective breathing equipment with fast positioning - Google Patents

Protective breathing equipment with fast positioning Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1077743B1
EP1077743B1 EP99918026A EP99918026A EP1077743B1 EP 1077743 B1 EP1077743 B1 EP 1077743B1 EP 99918026 A EP99918026 A EP 99918026A EP 99918026 A EP99918026 A EP 99918026A EP 1077743 B1 EP1077743 B1 EP 1077743B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
strap
face
rack
compartment
mask
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 - Lifetime
Application number
EP99918026A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1077743A1 (en
Inventor
Patrice Martinez
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Safran Aerosystems SAS
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Intertechnique SA
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Publication of EP1077743A1 publication Critical patent/EP1077743A1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
    • A62B18/08—Component parts for gas-masks or gas-helmets, e.g. windows, straps, speech transmitters, signal-devices
    • A62B18/084—Means for fastening gas-masks to heads or helmets

Definitions

  • the invention relates to protective equipment breathing device including a breathing mask, a harness allowing rapid installation on the face and sometimes smoke goggles, integrated or no to the mask.
  • the present invention aims in particular to provide a respiratory protection equipment ensuring comfort less equivalent to that of existing equipment during mask wearing periods when there is no need to apply it enough on the face to withstand overpressure of respiratory gas and reduce consumption breathing gas during these times.
  • the invention notably proposes equipment of the kind defined above, the extensible strap of which is connected to the face cover by at least one mechanical member of length adjustable in steps by the user while wearing equipment.
  • This mechanical member can be constituted by a rack attached to one end of the strap and a ratchet worn by the face cover, allowing the relative movement of the strap and cover in the tightening direction, the ratchet being disarmable to allow movement of the rack in the opposite direction. This provision can be reversed, the rack is then fixed to the face cover.
  • the pneumatic connection between the face cover, which carries the user-controllable means for supplying the inflatable element, and this inflatable element is provided for allow relative sliding. So that the command of inflation causes the rack to come into position maximum tightening, this can be achieved by extending the rack by a hollow piston movable in a cylinder secured to the face cover. The piston then separates the cylinder in two compartments, one of which is connected to the supply of the inflatable element and the other to the atmosphere.
  • Protective equipment can be supplemented by a aneroide capsule constituting an altimetric detector and automatically causing the compartment to pressurize of the cylinder causing maximum tightening in the event of ambient depressurization.
  • Respiratory rescue equipment shown in the figure 1 shown in the state it is in when the harness is inflated can be viewed as having a mask 8 and a harness 10.
  • the mask shown has an oro-nasal face cover attached to a demand regulator 13 and a block of rigid connection 12.
  • the connection block is provided with a connection fitting with a flexible pipe 14 intended for connect to a source of pressurized breathing gas (oxygen in general).
  • the harness shown has two straps 16 each consisting of an inner tube 17 in one material allowing the tube to lengthen, contained in a inextensible sheath 19 limiting the elongation of the tube (fig. 2).
  • the regulator will be with or without dilution by air drawn into the cabin, with or without possibility of overpressure.
  • the regulator is connected to the pipe supply 14 by the connection block 12.
  • the door block means for manually controlling the inflation of the straps 16, constituted for example by a tap intended to be actuated by manual pinching of two ears 18 carried by the connection block 12 and one of which is tiltable.
  • the tap is constructed so as to put in communication an internal volume of the connection block 12 and the 16 straps with the atmosphere when free, which then allows the straps to retract and apply the mask against the face.
  • the tap When the tap is turned on, it on the contrary admits gas under pressure coming from the supply line 14 in the interior volume, which causes sufficient lengthening of the straps to allow quick installation.
  • At least one of the branches of the harness is connected to the demand regulator via a mechanical length adjusting member.
  • a mechanical length adjusting member In the case illustrated in FIG. 1, two members 20 are provided, each connecting one end of the harness to the regulator or to the connection block.
  • the length of the inner tube 17 to the relaxed state is chosen so that the harness applies still the mask on the face with sufficient pressure when the adjusting member has its minimum length, even on carriers with the lowest head circumference planned. It is generally accepted that this minimum head circumference is 56 cm.
  • the tap for fully inflating or emptying the harness can have the classical constitution shown in figure 2.
  • One end of the passage is connected to the arrival of pressurized breathing gas.
  • the other end opens to the atmosphere.
  • a first O-ring 26 carried by the plunger 24 rests on a cylindrical portion of the passage 22 and separates the gas supply from an interior volume of the block when the plunger 24 is held by the inlet pressure resting against the ear 18 in the rest position.
  • the displacement of the diver brings a second O-ring 28 in abutment against a portion section of the passage and separates the interior volume from the atmosphere.
  • the adjusting member 20 comprises a rack 30 extended by a tip 32 on which is fixed so seals the end of the harness. Opposite the end piece 32, the rack is extended by an annular piston 34.
  • the portion of the adjusting member capable of sliding relative to the rack is formed by an arm of the case 12 which houses a rack ratchet 36 provided with a unlocking button 38.
  • a spring 40 pushes the ratchet 36 towards a position where it engages on the rack 30 and prohibits the movement of the latter in a direction corresponding to the elongation of the adjusting member.
  • the arm of the housing is also formed a cylinder that the annular piston 34 separates a compartment 42 connected to the atmosphere through an orifice 44 and a second compartment 46.
  • the internal volume of the tap communicates with the tube 17 through aligned holes in the arm of the housing, in the rack 30 and in the end piece 32.
  • a path 47 balances the pressure in the compartment 46 and the pressure in the harness.
  • O-rings carried by the piston 34 sealingly separate the compartments 42 and 46.
  • FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment causing maximum tightening in the case of depressurization.
  • the emergency tightening is caused by pressurization of the compartment 46 using a barometric capsule 52.
  • This capsule is subjected to ambient pressure.
  • She is provided a push rod 54 which causes the forced opening of a valve 56 when the ambient pressure drops below of a predetermined value.
  • the valve 56 then sets communication of pressurized breathing gas with compartment 46 connected to the atmosphere by a throttle 58 allowing then to cause slow deflation compartment 46.
  • a non-return valve 60 connects the downstream of the valve 56 to the internal volume of the housing 12 and to the harness, for avoid discharging in the open air.
  • the capsule In the event of depressurization while the rack is in the intermediate position, the capsule causes the setting pressure of compartment 46 and complete resetting of the rack. Throttle 58 does not allow pressure to lower in compartment 46 only from the moment it is no longer supplied by valve 56. The non-return valve 60 for its part prevents the flow to the open air when putting in in pressure of compartment 46.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)
  • Medicines Containing Material From Animals Or Micro-Organisms (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
  • Thermotherapy And Cooling Therapy Devices (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)
  • Filters For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)
  • External Artificial Organs (AREA)
  • Medicines Containing Plant Substances (AREA)
  • Massaging Devices (AREA)

Abstract

Protective breathing equipment comprises a breathing mask provided with a regulator for connection to a source of pressurized breathing gas and a harness having at least one extensible strap whose ends are connected to the mask and which includes an element that is temporarily inflatable by the pressurized gas to lengthen the strap until it is large enough to enable the user to engage the harness on the head, and exhaustible to allow the strap to press to press the mask against the face. The extensible strap is connected to the face-piece by at least one mechanical member of length that is adjustable by the user while wearing the equipment.

Description

L'invention concerne les équipements de protection respiratoire comprenant un masque respiratoire, un harnais permettant une mise en place rapide sur le visage et parfois des lunettes de protection contre les fumées, intégrées ou non au masque.The invention relates to protective equipment breathing device including a breathing mask, a harness allowing rapid installation on the face and sometimes smoke goggles, integrated or no to the mask.

On connait déjà (EP-A-0288391) un équipement de protection à mise en place rapide, destiné notamment au personnel navigant technique des appareils de transport de passagers, ayant un masque respiratoire muni d'un régulateur destiné à être relié à une source de gaz respiratoire sous pression (généralement de l'oxygène) et un harnais ayant au moins une sangle extensible dont les extrémités sont reliées au masque et qui comporte un élément qui est gonflable temporairement par le gaz sous pression pour allonger la sangle jusqu'à une dimension suffisante pour permettre à l'utilisateur d'engager le harnais sur la tête et vidangeable pour permettre à la sangle de se serrer, d'appliquer le masque contre le visage et de le maintenir en place.We already know (EP-A-0288391) protective equipment quick to set up, especially for staff technical flight attendant for passenger transport aircraft, having a respiratory mask fitted with a regulator intended for be connected to a source of pressurized breathing gas (usually oxygen) and a harness with at least one extendable strap whose ends are connected to the mask and which has an element which is temporarily inflatable by pressurized gas to lengthen the strap to a sufficient dimension to allow the user to engage the harness on the head and drainable to allow the strap to tighten, apply the mask against the face and keep it in place.

L'équipement décrit à titre d'exemple dans le document EP 0288391 permet de régler la pression dans l'élément gonflable de façon à lui donner une valeur intermédiaire entre la pression de vidange complète et la pression de gonflage complet et à réduire l'inconfort créé par le port permanent du masque dans les conditions de vol où ce port est obligatoire.The equipment described as an example in the document EP 0288391 adjusts the pressure in the element inflatable to give it an intermediate value between the complete drain pressure and the full inflation and reduce discomfort created by wearing permanent mask in flight conditions where this port is mandatory.

On connaít également un équipement de protection mis en place rapide du type indiqué ci-dessus par le document WO 99/20349 A. Ce document de l'art antérieur qui bénéficie d'une date de priorité antérieure à la présente demande mais qui a été publié après cette date, n'a pas à être pris en considération pour l'appréciation de l'activité inventive.We also know protective equipment put in place of the type indicated above by the document WO 99/20349 A. This document of the prior art which benefits a priority date prior to this request but which was published after that date, need not be taken into account consideration for the assessment of inventive step.

Cette solution est pleinement satisfaisante du point de vue du confort. En contrepartie, elle complique les moyens de commande de la pression. De plus, les fuites inévitables, dues par exemple à la porosité de l'élément gonflable, conduisent à une consommation de gaz respiratoire sous pression pendant les périodes où le masque est utilisé en position "confort".This solution is fully satisfactory from the point of view of comfort. In return, it complicates the means pressure control. In addition, the inevitable leaks, due for example to the porosity of the inflatable element, lead to consumption of respiratory gas under pressure during periods when the mask is used in "comfort" position.

La présente invention vise notamment à fournir un équipement de protection respiratoire assurant un confort au moins équivalent à celui des équipements existants pendant les périodes de port du masque où il n'est pas nécessaire de l'appliquer suffisamment sur le visage pour résister à une surpression du gaz respiratoire et réduisent la consommation de gaz respiratoire pendant ces périodes.The present invention aims in particular to provide a respiratory protection equipment ensuring comfort less equivalent to that of existing equipment during mask wearing periods when there is no need to apply it enough on the face to withstand overpressure of respiratory gas and reduce consumption breathing gas during these times.

Dans ce but l'invention propose notamment un équipement du genre ci-dessus défini, dont la sangle extensible est reliée au couvre-face par au moins un organe mécanique de longueur réglable par pas par l'utilisateur pendant le port de l'équipement.To this end, the invention notably proposes equipment of the kind defined above, the extensible strap of which is connected to the face cover by at least one mechanical member of length adjustable in steps by the user while wearing equipment.

Cet organe mécanique peut être constitué par une crémaillère fixée à une extrémité de la sangle et un cliquet porté par le couvre-face, autorisant le déplacement relatif de la sangle et du couvre-face dans le sens du serrage, le cliquet étant désarmable pour autoriser le déplacement de la crémaillère dans le sens opposé. Cette disposition peut être inversée, la crémaillère étant alors fixée au couvre-face.This mechanical member can be constituted by a rack attached to one end of the strap and a ratchet worn by the face cover, allowing the relative movement of the strap and cover in the tightening direction, the ratchet being disarmable to allow movement of the rack in the opposite direction. This provision can be reversed, the rack is then fixed to the face cover.

La liaison pneumatique entre le couvre-face, qui porte les moyens commandables par l'utilisateur pour alimenter l'élément gonflable, et cet élément gonflable est prévue pour autoriser un coulissement relatif. Pour que la commande de gonflage provoque la venue de la crémaillère en position de serrage maximum, ce résultat peut être atteint en prolongeant la crémaillère par un piston creux déplaçable dans un cylindre solidaire du couvre-face. Le piston sépare alors le cylindre en deux compartiments, dont l'un est relié à l'alimentation de l'élément gonflable et l'autre à l'atmosphère.The pneumatic connection between the face cover, which carries the user-controllable means for supplying the inflatable element, and this inflatable element is provided for allow relative sliding. So that the command of inflation causes the rack to come into position maximum tightening, this can be achieved by extending the rack by a hollow piston movable in a cylinder secured to the face cover. The piston then separates the cylinder in two compartments, one of which is connected to the supply of the inflatable element and the other to the atmosphere.

L'équipement de protection peut être complété par une capsule anéroide constituant un détecteur altimétrique et provoquant automatiquement la mise en pression du compartiment du cylindre provoquant le serrage maximum en cas de dépressurisation ambiante.Protective equipment can be supplemented by a aneroide capsule constituting an altimetric detector and automatically causing the compartment to pressurize of the cylinder causing maximum tightening in the event of ambient depressurization.

Les caractéristiques ci-dessus ainsi que d'autres apparaítront mieux à la lecture de la description qui suit de modes particuliers de réalisation donné à titre d'exemples non limitatifs. La description se réfère aux dessins qui l'accompagnent, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective montrant l'aspect extérieur d'un équipement de protection permettant de mettre en oeuvre l'invention
  • la figure 2 est une vue schématique en coupe et à grande échelle montrant les constituants de l'équipement permettant une mise en place rapide et le réglage de la pression du masque sur le visage.
  • la figure 3, similaire à une fraction de la figure 2, montre une variante de réalisation.
The above characteristics as well as others will appear more clearly on reading the following description of particular embodiments given by way of nonlimiting examples. The description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of protective equipment for implementing the invention
  • Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view on a large scale showing the components of the equipment for rapid installation and adjustment of the pressure of the mask on the face.
  • Figure 3, similar to a fraction of Figure 2, shows an alternative embodiment.

L'équipement respiratoire de secours montré sur la figure 1 représenté dans l'état où il se trouve lorsque le harnais est gonflé, peut être regardé comme comportant un masque 8 et un harnais 10. Le masque représenté a un couvre-face oro-nasal fixé à un régulateur à la demande 13 et à un bloc de connexion rigide 12. Le bloc de connexion est muni d'un raccord de liaison avec une conduite flexible 14 destiné à se raccorder à une source de gaz respiratoire sous pression (oxygène en général). Le harnais représenté comporte deux sangles 16 constituées chacune d'un tube interne 17 en un matériau permettant au tube de s'allonger, contenu dans une gaine inextensible 19 limitant l'allongement du tube (fig. 2). Suivant l'utilisation prévue, le régulateur sera avec ou sans dilution par de l'air aspiré dans la cabine, avec ou sans possibilité de mise en surpression.Respiratory rescue equipment shown in the figure 1 shown in the state it is in when the harness is inflated, can be viewed as having a mask 8 and a harness 10. The mask shown has an oro-nasal face cover attached to a demand regulator 13 and a block of rigid connection 12. The connection block is provided with a connection fitting with a flexible pipe 14 intended for connect to a source of pressurized breathing gas (oxygen in general). The harness shown has two straps 16 each consisting of an inner tube 17 in one material allowing the tube to lengthen, contained in a inextensible sheath 19 limiting the elongation of the tube (fig. 2). Depending on the intended use, the regulator will be with or without dilution by air drawn into the cabin, with or without possibility of overpressure.

Le régulateur est mis en liaison avec la conduite d'alimentation 14 par le bloc de connexion 12. Le bloc porte des moyens à commande manuelle de gonflage des sangles 16, constitués par exemple par un robinet prévu pour être actionné par pincement manuel de deux oreilles 18 portées par le bloc de connexion 12 et dont l'une est basculante.The regulator is connected to the pipe supply 14 by the connection block 12. The door block means for manually controlling the inflation of the straps 16, constituted for example by a tap intended to be actuated by manual pinching of two ears 18 carried by the connection block 12 and one of which is tiltable.

Le robinet est constitué de façon à mettre en communication un volume intérieur du bloc de connexion 12 et les sangles 16 avec l'atmosphère lorsqu'il est libre, ce qui permet alors aux sangles de se rétracter et d'appliquer le masque contre le visage. Lorsque le robinet est actionné, il admet au contraire du gaz sous pression en provenance de la conduite d'alimentation 14 dans le volume intérieur, ce qui provoque un allongement des sangles suffisant pour permettre la mise en place rapide.The tap is constructed so as to put in communication an internal volume of the connection block 12 and the 16 straps with the atmosphere when free, which then allows the straps to retract and apply the mask against the face. When the tap is turned on, it on the contrary admits gas under pressure coming from the supply line 14 in the interior volume, which causes sufficient lengthening of the straps to allow quick installation.

Conformément à l'invention, l'une au moins des branches du harnais est reliée au régulateur à la demande par l'intermédiaire d'un organe de réglage mécanique de longueur. Dans le cas illustré dans la figure 1, deux organes 20 sont prévus, chacun reliant une extrémité du harnais au régulateur ou au bloc de connexion. La longueur du tube interne 17 à l'état détendu est choisie de façon que le harnais applique encore le masque sur le visage avec une pression suffisante lorsque l'organe de réglage présente sa longueur minimum, même sur les porteurs ayant le tour de tête le plus faible prévu. Il est généralement admis que ce tour de tête minimum est de 56 cm.According to the invention, at least one of the branches of the harness is connected to the demand regulator via a mechanical length adjusting member. In the case illustrated in FIG. 1, two members 20 are provided, each connecting one end of the harness to the regulator or to the connection block. The length of the inner tube 17 to the relaxed state is chosen so that the harness applies still the mask on the face with sufficient pressure when the adjusting member has its minimum length, even on carriers with the lowest head circumference planned. It is generally accepted that this minimum head circumference is 56 cm.

Le robinet permettant de gonfler complètement ou de vidanger le harnais peut avoir la constitution classique montrée en figure 2. Dans le boítier du bloc de connexion rigide 12 est alors ménagé un passage 22 dans lequel est monté un plongeur 24 qui constitue un organe obturateur double. Une extrémité du passage est reliée à l'arrivée de gaz respiratoire sous pression. L'autre extrémité s'ouvre à l'atmosphère. Un premier joint torique 26 porté par le plongeur 24 s'appuie sur une portion cylindrique du passage 22 et sépare l'arrivée de gaz d'un volume intérieur du bloc lorsque le plongeur 24 est maintenu par la pression d'admission en appui contre l'oreille 18 en position de repos. L'oreille 18, lorsqu'elle est déplaçée manuellement dans le sens indiqué par la flèche f , repousse le plongeur jusqu'à une position où il met en communication l'arrivée de gaz et le volume intérieur. En même temps, le déplacement du plongeur amène un second joint torique 28 en appui contre une portion tronçonique du passage et sépare le volume intérieur de l'atmosphère.The tap for fully inflating or emptying the harness can have the classical constitution shown in figure 2. In the case of the connection block rigid 12 is then formed a passage 22 in which is mounted a plunger 24 which constitutes a shutter member double. One end of the passage is connected to the arrival of pressurized breathing gas. The other end opens to the atmosphere. A first O-ring 26 carried by the plunger 24 rests on a cylindrical portion of the passage 22 and separates the gas supply from an interior volume of the block when the plunger 24 is held by the inlet pressure resting against the ear 18 in the rest position. The ear 18, when moved manually in the direction indicated by arrow f, pushes the plunger up to a position where it connects the gas supply and the interior volume. At the same time, the displacement of the diver brings a second O-ring 28 in abutment against a portion section of the passage and separates the interior volume from the atmosphere.

L'organe de réglage 20 comporte une crémaillère 30 prolongée par un embout 32 sur lequel est fixée de façon étanche l'extrémité du harnais. A l'opposé de l'embout 32, la crémaillère est prolongée par un piston annulaire 34.The adjusting member 20 comprises a rack 30 extended by a tip 32 on which is fixed so seals the end of the harness. Opposite the end piece 32, the rack is extended by an annular piston 34.

La portion de l'organe de réglage capable de coulisser par rapport à la crémaillère est constituée par un bras du boítier 12 qui loge un cliquet de crémaillère 36 muni d'un bouton 38 de déverrouillage. Un ressort 40 repousse le cliquet 36 vers une position où il s'engage sur la crémaillère 30 et interdit le déplacement de cette dernière dans un sens correspondant à l'allongement de l'organe de réglage. Dans le bras du boítier est également ménagé un cylindre que le piston annulaire 34 sépare un compartiment 42 relié à l'atmosphère par un orifice 44 et un second compartiment 46.The portion of the adjusting member capable of sliding relative to the rack is formed by an arm of the case 12 which houses a rack ratchet 36 provided with a unlocking button 38. A spring 40 pushes the ratchet 36 towards a position where it engages on the rack 30 and prohibits the movement of the latter in a direction corresponding to the elongation of the adjusting member. In the arm of the housing is also formed a cylinder that the annular piston 34 separates a compartment 42 connected to the atmosphere through an orifice 44 and a second compartment 46.

Le volume interne du robinet communique avec le tube 17 par l'intermédiaire de trous alignés pratiqués dans le bras du boítier, dans la crémaillère 30 et dans l'embout 32. Un trajet 47 équilibre la pression qui règne dans le compartiment 46 et la pression dans le harnais. Des joints toriques portés par le piston 34 séparent de façon étanche les compartiments 42 et 46.The internal volume of the tap communicates with the tube 17 through aligned holes in the arm of the housing, in the rack 30 and in the end piece 32. A path 47 balances the pressure in the compartment 46 and the pressure in the harness. O-rings carried by the piston 34 sealingly separate the compartments 42 and 46.

Le mode d'utilisation de l'équipement est alors le suivant .

  • Mise en place :
  • lorsque l'utilisateur souhaite mettre le masque qui est placé dans une boíte de stockage, il le saisit par le bloc de connexion 12, le sort de la boíte et presse les oreilles 18.
    • L'arrivée de gaz respiratoire est alors reliée au harnais et, par l'intermédiaire du passage 47, dans le compartiment 46. La force exercée sur le piston annulaire 34 le déplace, vers la droite dans le cas de la figure 2, et amène l'organe de réglage dans sa position de longueur minimale. Lorsque l'utilisateur a placé le masque sur son visage, il relache les oreilles 18. Le masque s'applique sur le visage avec une force maximale.
  • Réduction du serrage : Pour réduire le serrage, il suffit à l'utilisateur d'exercer une courte pression sur le poussoir 38 pour dégager temporairement le cliquet 36. La crémaillère peut alors reculer. Dès que le poussoir 38 n'est plus actionné, le cliquet 36 verrouille de nouveau la crémaillère sous l'action du ressort 40.
  • Augmentation du serrage : Pour augmenter le serrage du masque, il suffit d'appuyer sur la crémaillère, qui peut être munie à cet effet d'une collerette 50.Si un serrage d'urgence est nécessaire, il peut être effectué en repoussant à fond la collerette 50 de l'organe de réglage (ou de chaque organe de réglage) . Il est également possible de provoquer ce serrage en gonflant complètement le harnais par pression sur l'oreille 18. Le compartiment 46 est alors mis en pression et "réarme" la crémaillère en l'amenant dans sa position la plus à droite. Dès relâchement de l'oreille, le harnais revient en position de serrage maximum.Pour rendre le réglage plus progressif, il est possible de remplacer l'ensemble cliquet-monobloc 36 - poussoir 38 par deux pièces couplées par un ressort et de munir le poussoir d'un cliquet capable de s'engager dans une denture appropriée de la crémaillère 30. Cette seconde denture de la crémaillère n'autorise qu'une avance d'un pas à chaque pression sur le poussoir 38.
  • Enlèvement du masque : Lorsque l'utilisateur souhaite replacer le masque dans sa boíte, il gonfle complètement le harnais par action sur l'oreille 18. La pression dans le compartiment 46 réarme automatiquement la crémaillère. Une fois le masque enlevé, l'utilisateur n'a qu'à relacher l'oreille 18 pour que le harnais devienne souple et permette le stockage dans un état tel que le serrage sera maximum en cas de remise en place de l'équipement sur la tête.
    • The mode of use of the equipment is then as follows.
  • Implementation:
  • when the user wishes to put the mask which is placed in a storage box, he grasps it by the connection block 12, takes it out of the box and presses the ears 18.
    • The supply of respiratory gas is then connected to the harness and, via the passage 47, in the compartment 46. The force exerted on the annular piston 34 moves it, to the right in the case of FIG. 2, and brings about the adjusting member in its minimum length position. When the user has placed the mask on his face, he releases the ears 18. The mask is applied to the face with maximum force.
  • Reduction of the tightening: To reduce the tightening, it suffices for the user to exert a short pressure on the pusher 38 to temporarily release the pawl 36. The rack can then move back. As soon as the pusher 38 is no longer actuated, the pawl 36 again locks the rack under the action of the spring 40.
  • Increasing the tightening: To increase the tightening of the mask, it is enough to press on the rack, which can be provided for this purpose with a flange 50. If an emergency tightening is necessary, it can be carried out by pushing back fully the flange 50 of the adjusting member (or of each adjusting member). It is also possible to cause this tightening by completely inflating the harness by pressure on the ear 18. The compartment 46 is then put under pressure and "rearms" the rack by bringing it into its rightmost position. As soon as the ear is released, the harness returns to the maximum tightening position.To make the adjustment more gradual, it is possible to replace the ratchet-monobloc assembly 36 - plunger 38 by two parts coupled by a spring and to provide the plunger of a pawl capable of engaging in an appropriate toothing of the rack 30. This second toothing of the rack allows only one step forward each time the pusher 38 is pressed.
  • Removal of the mask: When the user wishes to replace the mask in his box, he completely inflates the harness by action on the ear 18. The pressure in the compartment 46 automatically rearms the rack. Once the mask has been removed, the user only has to release the ear 18 so that the harness becomes flexible and allows storage in a state such that the tightening will be maximum in the event of replacement of the equipment on the head.

    • Dans le cas où deux organes de réglage mécanique sont prévus, il suffit qu'un des deux présente une liaison pneumatique avec les sangles.In the case where two mechanical adjustment members are one of the two need only have a bond pneumatic with straps.

    La figure 3 montre une variante de réalisation provoquant un serrage maximal dans le cas de dépressurisation. Sur la figure 3, sont représentés certains des éléments déjà montrés en figure 2, désignés par le même numéro de référence. Le serrage d'urgence est provoqué par mise en pression du compartiment 46 à l'aide d'une capsule barométrique 52. Cette capsule est soumise à la pression ambiante. Elle est munie d'une tige poussoir 54 qui provoque l'ouverture forcée d'un clapet 56 lorsque la pression ambiante descend au-dessous d'une valeur pré-déterminée. Le clapet 56 met alors en communication l'arrivée de gaz respiratoire sous pression avec le compartiment 46 relié à l'atmosphère par un étranglement 58 permettant de provoquer ensuite le dégonflage lent du compartiment 46. Un clapet anti-retour 60 relie l'aval du clapet 56 au volume interne du boítier 12 et au harnais, pour éviter de débiter à l'air libre.Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment causing maximum tightening in the case of depressurization. On the figure 3, are represented some of the elements already shown in Figure 2, designated by the same reference number. The emergency tightening is caused by pressurization of the compartment 46 using a barometric capsule 52. This capsule is subjected to ambient pressure. She is provided a push rod 54 which causes the forced opening of a valve 56 when the ambient pressure drops below of a predetermined value. The valve 56 then sets communication of pressurized breathing gas with compartment 46 connected to the atmosphere by a throttle 58 allowing then to cause slow deflation compartment 46. A non-return valve 60 connects the downstream of the valve 56 to the internal volume of the housing 12 and to the harness, for avoid discharging in the open air.

    En cas de dépressurisation alors que la crémaillère est en position intermédiaire, la capsule provoque la mise en pression du compartiment 46 et le réarmement complet de la crémaillère. L'étranglement 58 ne permet à la pression de baisser dans le compartiment 46 qu'à partir du moment où il n'est plus alimenté par le clapet 56. Le clapet anti-retour 60 empêche de son côté le débit à l'air libre lors de la mise en pression du compartiment 46.In the event of depressurization while the rack is in the intermediate position, the capsule causes the setting pressure of compartment 46 and complete resetting of the rack. Throttle 58 does not allow pressure to lower in compartment 46 only from the moment it is no longer supplied by valve 56. The non-return valve 60 for its part prevents the flow to the open air when putting in in pressure of compartment 46.

    Claims (7)

    1. Protective breathing equipment comprising a breathing mask provided with a regulator for connection to a source of pressurized breathing gas (generally oxygen) and a harness having at least one extensible strap whose ends are connected to the mask and which includes an element (17) that is temporarily inflatable by the pressurized gas to lengthen the strap until it is large enough to enable the user to engage the harness on the head, and exhaustible to allow the strap to tighten so as to press the mask against the face and hold it in place, the equipment being characterized in that the extensible strap is connected to the face-piece by at least one mechanical member (20) of length that is adjustable by steps, by the user while wearing the equipment.
    2. Equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanical member comprises a rack (30) fixed to one end of the strap and a pawl {36) carried by the face- piece, allowing the strap and the face-piece to move relative to each other in the tightening direction, the pawl being releasable to allow the rack to move in the direction opposite to tightening.
    3. Equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that the pawl is disengagable by means of a pushbutton (38) acting against a spring (40).
    4. Equipment according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the rack is extended by a hollow annular piston {34) movable in a cylinder secured to the face-piece, the piston subdividing the cylinder into two compartments, comprising a first compartment connected to the feed for the inflatable element and another compartment provided with a calibrated leak to the atmosphere, pressurizing the first compartment causing the rack to be moved.
    5. Equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that it includes an aneroid capsule (52) constituting an altitude detector and automatically putting the first compartment of the cylinder into communication with the source to cause maximum tightening in the event of depressurization of the surroundings.
    6. Equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that the aneroid capsule controls a valve for putting the first compartment into communication with the pressurized breathing gas inlet.
    7. Equipment according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it includes an aneroid capsule for automatically tightening the mechanical member in the event of depressurization.
    EP99918026A 1998-05-12 1999-05-07 Protective breathing equipment with fast positioning Expired - Lifetime EP1077743B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (3)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    FR9805949 1998-05-12
    FR9805949A FR2778575B1 (en) 1998-05-12 1998-05-12 RESPIRATORY PROTECTION EQUIPMENT WITH FAST SETUP
    PCT/FR1999/001087 WO1999058197A1 (en) 1998-05-12 1999-05-07 Protective breathing equipment with fast positioning

    Publications (2)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP1077743A1 EP1077743A1 (en) 2001-02-28
    EP1077743B1 true EP1077743B1 (en) 2004-09-22

    Family

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    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP99918026A Expired - Lifetime EP1077743B1 (en) 1998-05-12 1999-05-07 Protective breathing equipment with fast positioning

    Country Status (15)

    Country Link
    US (1) US6470887B1 (en)
    EP (1) EP1077743B1 (en)
    JP (1) JP2002514482A (en)
    KR (1) KR20010043518A (en)
    CN (1) CN1146456C (en)
    AT (1) ATE276799T1 (en)
    AU (1) AU3609799A (en)
    DE (1) DE69920441T2 (en)
    ES (1) ES2229700T3 (en)
    FR (1) FR2778575B1 (en)
    ID (1) ID29278A (en)
    NO (1) NO320451B1 (en)
    RU (1) RU2214845C2 (en)
    UA (1) UA55535C2 (en)
    WO (1) WO1999058197A1 (en)

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    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    US6470887B1 (en) 2002-10-29
    KR20010043518A (en) 2001-05-25
    ATE276799T1 (en) 2004-10-15
    EP1077743A1 (en) 2001-02-28
    DE69920441T2 (en) 2005-11-10
    JP2002514482A (en) 2002-05-21
    CN1300228A (en) 2001-06-20
    NO20005695D0 (en) 2000-11-10
    DE69920441D1 (en) 2004-10-28
    NO20005695L (en) 2001-01-10
    UA55535C2 (en) 2003-04-15
    FR2778575A1 (en) 1999-11-19
    NO320451B1 (en) 2005-12-05
    AU3609799A (en) 1999-11-29
    CN1146456C (en) 2004-04-21
    ID29278A (en) 2001-08-16
    WO1999058197A1 (en) 1999-11-18
    FR2778575B1 (en) 2000-07-28
    ES2229700T3 (en) 2005-04-16
    RU2214845C2 (en) 2003-10-27

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