Regulator assembly for crewmember breathing mask

Abstract

The invention relates to a regulator assembly (1) for a crew breathing mask, said assembly comprising: - a support (10), - a mode selection knob (20) movable between a first position, a second position and a third position, - said mode selection knob comprising a base (24) pivotably mounted on said support (10) with respect to an axis of rotation, and a cover (48) supported by said base; said cover (48) being movable with respect to said base between a locked position of said mode selection knob locking the rotation of said mode selection knob from said second position to said third position, and an unlocked position of said mode selection knob allowing said rotation of said mode selection knob from said second position to said third position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an adjuster assembly for a crew breathing mask. Background Technology

[0002] In a known manner, such regulator assemblies are used in crew breathing masks, the assemblies comprising:

[0003] -Supporting components,

[0004] - A mode selection knob that can move between at least a first position (EMER), a second position (100%), and a third position (N), wherein the second position (100%) is located between the first position (EMER) and the third position (N).

[0005] - A regulator intended to be supplied by a breathing gas source and adapted to supply the breathing chamber in at least three operating modes:

[0006] When the mode selection knob is in the first position (EMER), the regulator supplies air to the breathing chamber as long as the pressure in the breathing chamber is not higher than a first pressure relative to ambient pressure.

[0007] When the mode selection knob is in the second position (100%), the regulator supplies air to the breathing chamber, where the first pressure is higher than the second pressure, as long as the pressure in the breathing chamber is not higher than a second pressure relative to the ambient pressure.

[0008] When the mode selection knob is in the third position (N), the regulator supplies breathing gas diluted with air to the breathing chamber.

[0009] The first position, "EMER," corresponds to the "Emergency" mode. This "Emergency" mode is selected in the event of smoke or fire in the cockpit. The second position, "100%," corresponds to the "100%" mode. This mode provides protection against hypoxia. The third position, "N," corresponds to the "Normal" mode. This "Normal" mode allows for limiting oxygen consumption during preventative wear or when exceeding the descent profile level. The selection knob is in the second position, 100%, by default. The second position, 100%, is centered between the first and third positions.

[0010] When the mask is worn, the mode selection knob is not visible to the user. Currently, the selection knob is asymmetrical so that the user can distinguish the direction of rotation that triggers the "EMERGENCY" mode and the "NORMAL" mode by touch. The selection knob also has horizontal markings to allow a third party to verify the selected mode. Therefore, current breathing masks include components that provide information about the selected operating mode to the user by means of the knob's asymmetry and that provide said information to a third party using the horizontal markings.

[0011] Despite this asymmetry, without significant understanding and frequent use of the breathing mask, it is difficult to determine the direction of rotation that triggers the "EMERGENCY" mode and the "NORMAL" mode. In particular, in a sudden emergency, the user may accidentally pivot the selection knob to "NORMAL" mode and lose protection against toxic fumes and gases. If the information is misunderstood or the user reacts hastily, the user may select the incorrect operating mode.

[0012] Presentation of the present invention

[0013] This disclosure aims to provide a regulator assembly that prevents accidental selection of the "NORMAL" mode instead of the "EMERGENCY" mode. This disclosure aims to increase the safety level of regulator assemblies for oxygen masks by preventing incorrect operation of the mode selection knob. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The present invention relates to an adjuster assembly as described above, wherein a mode selection knob includes a base pivotally mounted on a support relative to an axis of rotation, and a cover supported by the base; the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the support and extends in an axial direction; the cover is movable relative to the base in the axial direction between a locked position and an unlocked position of the mode selection knob, the locked position locking rotation of the mode selection knob from the second position to the third position, and the unlocked position allowing the rotation of the mode selection knob from the second position to the third position.

[0015] Advantageously, this disclosure allows for the mechanical prevention of selecting the wrong operating mode.

[0016] The features disclosed in the following paragraphs may be implemented optionally. They may be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other:

[0017] Preferably, the support includes at least one axial protrusion, and the cover includes a bottom and at least one axial wall supported by the bottom, wherein when the cover is positioned in the locked position and the mode selection knob is pivoted from the second position to the third position, the at least one axial wall is abutting against the at least one axial protrusion; and when the cover is positioned in the unlocked position and the mode selection knob is pivoted from the second position to the third position, the at least one axial wall is pivotable away from the at least one axial protrusion.

[0018] Preferably, the base includes a plate extending parallel to the support member; when the mode selection knob is in the locked position, the bottom abuts against the plate; the base includes a sliding device, and the cover includes a complementary sliding device that cooperates with the sliding device to allow the cover to move relative to the base between the locked position and the unlocked position according to the axial direction.

[0019] Preferably, the cover can be pulled in a direction guiding the mode selection knob outward to set the cover to the unlocked position; and wherein, when the cover is positioned in the unlocked position and the mode selection knob pivots from the second position to the third position, the axial wall is pivotable above the at least one axial protrusion. Preferably, the at least one axial wall only adjoins a portion of the peripheral edge of the bottom. Preferably, the cover comprises two axial walls parallel to each other and parallel to a midplane containing the axis of rotation.

[0020] Preferably, the support includes an additional axial protrusion disposed on one side of the midplane and on the other side of the midplane, the axial protrusion being positioned such that when the mode selection knob is positioned in the third position, the axial wall is disposed above the additional axial protrusion.

[0021] Preferably, the plate has only two peripheral flanges, at least one opening is disposed between the two peripheral flanges, and the at least one axial wall of the cover covers the at least one opening; when the cover is in the unlocked position and the mode selection knob is pivoted to the third position, the at least one axial protrusion can pass through the entire at least one opening.

[0022] Preferably, the mode selection knob includes at least one resilient element capable of acting between the base and the cover to hold the cover in the locked position. Preferably, the sliding device includes at least one axial hole disposed in the plate, and wherein the complementary sliding device includes at least one axially shaped section extending perpendicular to the bottom, the axially shaped section sliding in the axial hole when the cover moves from the locked position to the unlocked position. Preferably, the complementary sliding device includes at least one support cap capable of being fastened to the free end of the at least one axially shaped section, the axially shaped section having a diameter; the support cap having a diameter larger than the diameter of the axially shaped section, and wherein the resilient element abuts against the at least one support cap on one side and against the plate on the other.

[0023] Preferably, the at least one axially shaped section has at least three intersecting branches, and the at least one support cover includes legs capable of wedging into the branches of the at least one axially shaped section. Attached Figure Description

[0024] [ Figure 1 [A perspective view of a breathing mask including a regulator assembly according to the invention;]

[0025] [ Figure 2 [This is an exploded perspective view of the mode selection knob and support of the regulator assembly according to the present invention;]

[0026] [ Figure 3 This is a perspective view taken from one side of the mode selection knob and support in the locked position.

[0027] [ Figure 4 This is a perspective view from the other side of the mode selection knob and support in the unlocked position;

[0028] [ Figure 5 According to Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the selection knob and support shown in the diagram is as follows:

[0029] [ Figure 6 This is a top view of the mode selection knob when it is in the third position "N".

[0030] [ Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the mode selection knob and its support when the mode selection knob is in the third position "N"; the cross-sectional plane is perpendicular to the rotation axis Z of the mode selection knob; and

[0031] [ Figure 8 This is a perspective view taken from one side of the mode selection knob in the unlocked position. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The diagrams and the following description contain certain elements. Therefore, they are not only used to better understand this disclosure, but also to facilitate the definition of this disclosure where appropriate. In the following description, terms such as "above," "below," "right," and "left" are references. Figure 6 And its use is not restrictive.

[0033] Figure 1 The image shows a breathing mask 100 installed in the pressurized cabin 8 of a commercial aircraft designed to transport crew members and usually passengers.

[0034] Preferably, a so-called isobaric type device pressurizes the cabin to a pressure not lower than the pressurization pressure typically corresponding to altitudes between 1,500 and 2,400 meters. As the aircraft ascends, the pressure inside the cabin is substantially equal to the pressure outside the cabin and decreases until it reaches the pressurization pressure. Under normal conditions, the pressure inside the cabin then remains constant until the external pressure becomes lower than the pressurization pressure. The breathing mask is intended to provide its user with sufficient oxygen and to protect them from harmful substances in the event of accidents such as depressurization or the presence of toxic gases, thereby preventing passengers in the cabin from breathing normally.

[0035] The breathing mask 100 includes a face mask 2 and an adjuster assembly 1. The mouth and nose face mask 2 is intended to be applied to the user's face in a generally sealed manner, surrounding his nose and mouth. The mouth and nose face mask 2 has a breathing chamber 4 in which the user breathes.

[0036] The adjuster assembly 1 includes a support 10, an adjuster, and a mode selection knob 20 pivotally mounted on the support 10 about a rotation axis Z. The rotation axis Z is perpendicular to the support 10 and extends along an axial direction A. In this application, the term "axial" is defined relative to the rotation axis Z, unless otherwise specified. The rotation axis Z and the axial direction A are coaxial and coincident.

[0037] The support member 10 includes a housing 13 and a plate 14 disposed on the housing 13 and capable of being closed thereon. The housing 13 has a breathing gas supply port intended to receive the end of a hose for connecting the regulator to a primary oxygen-containing breathing gas source.

[0038] The regulator is housed in housing 13. It operates according to three operating modes. In the first operating mode, known as "EMERGENCY" mode, the regulator supplies breathing gas only to breathing chamber 4 until a slight overpressure relative to the ambient air pressure in the cabin is reached in breathing chamber 4, typically between 3 and 30 mbar. At the most common overpressure value between 3 and 7 mbar, the user hardly feels this overpressure. At overpressure values ​​exceeding 10 to 12 mbar, the user needs to breathe much more forcefully, and the user quickly feels the overpressure.

[0039] In the second operating mode, known as the "100%" mode, the regulator supplies breathing gas only to breathing chamber 4 until it is substantially at ambient pressure. In practice, it is often useful to plan to stop supplying the breathing chamber before it reaches ambient pressure, so that there is a very slight low pressure (a few tenths of a millibar to a few millibars) in breathing chamber 4.

[0040] The third breathing mode, called "NORMAL," differs from the second breathing mode in that the breathing chamber 4 is supplied with breathing gas diluted with useful air, which is usually ambient air, and its proportion is usually a function of the pressure in the cabin 8.

[0041] refer to Figure 3 The mode selection knob 20 has an indication of "EMER" and is set to a first position for operation in the first mode. The mode selection knob 20 has an indication of "100%" and is set to a second position for operation in the second mode. The mode selection knob 20 has an indication of "N" and is set to a third position for operation in the third mode.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, when the user holds his head upright, the rotation axis Z of the selection knob extends generally vertically, such that the mode selection knob 20 extends below the housing 13. Of course, the mode selection knob 20 can be positioned differently, particularly at the front of the housing 13 and / or where the rotation axis extends generally horizontally. In a known manner, the three positions of the mode selection knob are discrete positions achieved by notches.

[0043] Mark 11a is positioned at the center of the width of plate 14. To aid understanding of the invention, a mid-plane M is defined. This mid-plane M passes through mark 11a and through the axis of rotation Z. The mid-plane M is perpendicular to the support member 10.

[0044] The front of the mode selection knob contains three markings indicating the angular position of the knob relative to the support 10. The position of the mode selection knob is based on an arc. The center of this arc is located on the rotation axis Z. The second position, indicating "100%", is positioned between the first position "EMER" and the third position, indicating "N".

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, a first position “EMER” is marked on one side of the midplane, hereinafter referred to as the left side, and a third position “N” is marked on the other side of the midplane, hereinafter referred to as the right side.

[0046] To allow the mode selection position 20 to be viewed from the side, three marks are made on the horizontal wall of the mode selection knob, and two horizontal marks 11b are made on the edge of the plate 14.

[0047] refer to Figure 5 The plate 14 includes a hollow cylindrical body 16 extending above and below the plate in the axial direction A. In the illustrated embodiment, the cylindrical body 16 is positioned at the center of the support. The cylindrical body 16 has a through hole 18. The plate 14 also includes an axial protrusion 22 extending above the plate. In the illustrated embodiment, the axial protrusion 22 has a straight block shape. The axial protrusion is located on the side of the midplane M opposite to the first position "EMER", i.e., on the upper right side. Figure 7 As shown, when the mode selection knob is in the third position "N", the axial protrusion 22 is positioned on the plate to be placed below the axial wall 54. (Reference) Figures 6 to 8 The plate 14 may also include an additional axial protrusion 23 extending above the plate. The additional axial protrusion 23 is located on the opposite side of the midplane M relative to the side containing the axial protrusion 22. For example... Figure 7 As shown, when the mode selection knob is in the third position "N", the additional axial protrusion 23 is positioned on the plate to be placed below the axial wall 52. Advantageously, the additional axial protrusion has an elongated, straight block shape to provide a larger support surface for the axial wall 52.

[0048] refer to Figures 2 to 5 The mode selection knob 20 includes a base 24 supported by a support member 10 and a cover 48 supported by the base.

[0049] The base 24 includes a plate 26 extending parallel to the support 10, two peripheral flanges 28, 30, and a central crown 32 extending axially in the direction of the support. The plate 26 is capable of supporting the cover 48. It includes two axial holes 34, 36 disposed on both sides of the central crown. The axial holes 34 have a shape corresponding to the shape of the axially formed section described below. Therefore, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the axial holes 34 have a cross-shaped shape.

[0050] This shape is by no means restrictive.

[0051] The central crown 32 is mounted to be rotatable about the cylindrical body 16. The central crown 32 has an inner shoulder 38. A washer 40 with a diameter larger than that of the cylindrical body 16 is arranged on the cylindrical body and above a portion of the inner shoulder 38. A retaining screw 42 is screwed into a threaded metal insert of the housing 13. The axis of the retaining screw forms the rotation axis Z of the selection knob 20.

[0052] The peripheral flanges 28 and 30 extend axially along the two opposing transverse surfaces of the mode selection knob in the direction of the support 10. Two openings 44 and 46 are arranged between the two peripheral flanges. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 44 and 46 are located on the side of the mode selection knob.

[0053] The cover 48 includes a bottom 50 extending parallel to the plate 14 of the support member, two axial walls 52, 54, two axially shaped sections 56, 58, and two support covers 60, 62.

[0054] When the mode selection knob 20 is in the locked position, the bottom 50 is arranged to abut against the plate 26. Two axial walls 52, 54 extend in the direction of the support according to the axial direction A. Each axial wall abuts only a portion 59 of the outer peripheral edge of the bottom. The axial walls 52, 54 are positioned opposite each other. When the cover 48 is in the locked position, the axial walls 52, 54 cover all openings 44, 46 of the base. When the cover 48 is in the unlocked position, a portion of the openings 44, 46 are not covered. Advantageously, in the illustrated embodiment, the two axial walls 52, 54 are parallel to each other and parallel to the midplane M. The two axial walls 52, 54 are positioned on the sides of the mode selection knob.

[0055] Two axially formed sections 56 and 58 pass through axial holes 34 and 36 in the base plate. Each support cover 60 and 62 is installed at the free end of each axially formed section. The diameter of each support cover 60 and 62 is larger than the diameter of each axially formed section 56 and 58.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the axially formed sections 56, 58 have four intersecting branches 68. Support caps 60, 62 include legs 70 capable of wedging into the branches of the axially formed sections.

[0057] The mode selection knob 20 also includes two resilient elements 64, 66 that can act between the base 24 and the cover 48 to hold the cover in a locked position. The resilient elements 64, 66 are arranged around each axial profile. Each resilient element 64, 66 abuts against the plate 26 supporting the covers 60, 62 and the base. For example, the resilient element may consist of a compression spring.

[0058] Axial holes 34 and 36 formed in plate 26 form two sliding devices. Axial forming sections 56 and 58, elastic elements 64 and 68, and support covers 60 and 62 form two complementary sliding devices. The sliding devices can cooperate with the complementary sliding devices so that cover 48 can move relative to base 24 in the axial direction A between a locked position and an unlocked position.

[0059] The sliding mechanism and complementary sliding mechanism also allow the cover to be secured to the base.

[0060] Alternatively, cover 48 comprises a single axial wall.

[0061] Alternatively, the mode selection knob comprises a single slider and a single complementary slider.

[0062] Alternatively, the mode selection knob includes more than two sliding devices and more than two complementary sliding devices.

[0063] During operation, the cover 48 can move relative to the base 24 in the axial direction A between the locked position and the unlocked position of the mode selection knob 20.

[0064] Locked location Figure 3 and 5 As shown in the diagram, the locking position locks the rotation of the mode selection knob 20 from the second position 100% to the third position N. In this position, the bottom of the cover 48 contacts the base 24. When the mode selection knob 20 is in the locked position and the wearer of the mask pivots the mode selection knob to the third position "N", the axial wall 54 abuts against the axial protrusion 22 and mechanically prevents the rotation of the mode selection knob. On the other hand, the wearer of the breathing mask 100 can pivot the mode selection knob from the second position "100%" to the first position "EMER" by rotating the base-cover assembly about the rotation axis Z.

[0065] To set the mode selection knob to the unlocked position, the wearer pulls the cover in a direction S guided by axial direction A and directed outwards from the mode selection knob. The bottom of the cover is separated from the base by a certain distance. The elastic elements 64 and 66 are compressed. The axial walls 52 and 54 move outwards so that a portion of the openings 44 and 46 are not covered. In this unlocked position, the free end of the axial wall 54 is located above the axial protrusion 22. The unlocked position is... Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. If the wearer of the mask pivots the mode selection knob to the third position "N", then the axial wall 54 pivots away from the axial protrusion 22. Specifically, the axial wall 54 pivots above the axial protrusion 22. Figure 6As shown, when the cover 48 is in the unlocked position and the mode selection knob 20 is pivoted to the third position "N", the axial protrusion 22 passes through the entire opening 44.

[0066] Therefore, the unlock position enables the mode selection knob to rotate from the second position "100%" to the third position "N".

[0067] When N mode is selected, the user releases cover 48, which returns under the action of elastic elements 64, 66 to press against the two axial protrusions 22, 23. In this way, cover 48 is held in the unlocked position, and the user will not have to raise it again to return from the third position "N" to the second position "100%".

[0068] During this rotation, once walls 54 and 56 are no longer pressing against the two axial protrusions 22 and 23, elastic elements 64 and 66 return the cover 48 to the locked position. Advantageously, in an emergency, this pressure on the axial protrusions 22 and 23 allows for unimpeded switching from the third position "N" to the first position "EMER".

Claims

1. An adjuster assembly (1) for a crew member breathing mask, the assembly comprising: - Support component (10) - A mode selection knob (20) is movable between at least a first position, a second position, and a third position, wherein the second position is located between the first position and the third position. - A regulator intended to be supplied by a breathing gas source and adapted to supply the breathing chamber in at least three operating modes: When the mode selection knob (20) is in the first position, the regulator supplies air to the breathing chamber as long as the pressure in the breathing chamber is not higher than a first relative pressure relative to the ambient pressure. When the mode selection knob (20) is in the second position, the regulator supplies air to the breathing chamber as long as the pressure in the breathing chamber is not higher than a second relative pressure relative to the ambient pressure, where the first relative pressure is higher than the second relative pressure. - When the mode selection knob (20) is in the third position, the regulator supplies the breathing chamber with breathing gas diluted with air, characterized in that the mode selection knob (20) includes a base (24) pivotally mounted on the support (10) relative to a rotation axis (Z), and a cover (48) supported by the base (24); the rotation axis (Z) is perpendicular to the support and extends in an axial direction (A); the cover (48) is movable relative to the base (24) in the axial direction (A) between the locked position and the unlocked position of the mode selection knob.

2. The regulator assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support (10) includes at least one axial protrusion (22), and the cover (48) includes a bottom (50) and at least one axial wall (52, 54) supported by the bottom, wherein when the cover (48) is positioned in the locked position and the mode selection knob (20) is pivoted from the second position to the third position, the at least one axial wall (52, 54) is abutting against the at least one axial protrusion (22); and when the cover (48) is positioned in the unlocked position and the mode selection knob (20) is pivoted from the second position to the third position, the at least one axial wall (52, 54) is pivotable away from the at least one axial protrusion (22).

3. The regulator assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The base (24) includes a plate (26) extending parallel to the support (10); when the mode selection knob (20) is in the locked position, the bottom (50) abuts against the plate (26); the base (24) includes a sliding device, and the cover (48) includes a complementary sliding device that cooperates with the sliding device to allow the cover (48) to move relative to the base (24) between the locked position and the unlocked position according to the axial direction (A).

4. The regulator assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that, The cover (48) can be pulled in a direction (S) to the outside of the mode selection knob (20) to set the cover (48) to the unlock position; and wherein, when the cover (48) is positioned in the unlock position and the mode selection knob (20) pivots from the second position to the third position, the axial walls (52, 54) can pivot above the at least one axial protrusion (22).

5. The regulator assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that, The at least one axial wall (52, 54) is in contact with only a portion (59) of the outer periphery of the bottom (50).

6. The regulator assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that, The cover (48) comprises two axial walls (52, 54) that are parallel to each other and parallel to the central plane (M), which contains the axis of rotation (Z).

7. The regulator assembly (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The support (10) includes an additional axial protrusion (23) disposed on one side of the midplane (M) and an axial protrusion (22) disposed on the other side of the midplane (M). The axial protrusion is positioned such that when the mode selection knob (20) is positioned in the third position, the axial wall (52) is disposed above the additional axial protrusion.

8. The regulator assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The plate (26) has only two peripheral flanges (28, 30), at least one opening (44, 46) is arranged between the two peripheral flanges (28, 30), and wherein the at least one axial wall (52, 54) of the cover covers the at least one opening (44, 46); when the cover (48) is in the unlocked position and the mode selection knob (20) is pivoted to the third position, the at least one axial protrusion (22) is able to pass through the entire at least one opening (44, 46).

9. The regulator assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The mode selection knob (20) includes at least one resilient element (64, 66) that can act between the base (24) and the cover (48) to hold the cover in the locked position.

10. The regulator assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sliding device includes at least one axial hole (34, 36) arranged in the plate (26), and wherein the complementary sliding device includes at least one axially shaped section (56, 58) extending perpendicular to the bottom (50), the axially shaped section (56, 58) sliding in the axial hole (34, 36) when the cover (48) moves from the locked position to the unlocked position.

11. The regulator assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mode selection knob (20) includes at least one resilient element (64, 66) capable of acting between the base (24) and the cover (48) to hold the cover in the locked position, and wherein the sliding device includes at least one axial hole (34, 36) disposed in the plate (26), and wherein the complementary sliding device includes at least one axially shaped section (56, 58) extending perpendicular to the bottom (50), the axially shaped section (56, 58) sliding in the axial hole (34, 36) when the cover (48) moves from the locked position to the unlocked position. The complementary sliding device includes at least one support cap (60, 62) capable of being fastened to the free end of the at least one axially shaped section (56, 58), the axially shaped section (56, 58) having a diameter; the support cap (60, 62) having a diameter larger than that of the axially shaped section, and wherein the elastic element (64, 66) abuts against the at least one support cap (60, 62) on one side and against the plate (26) on the other side.

12. The regulator assembly (1) according to any one of claims 10 and 11, characterized in that, The at least one axially shaped section (56, 58) has at least three intersecting branches (68), and wherein the at least one support cover (60, 62) includes a leg (70) capable of wedging into the branches (68) of the at least one axially shaped section (56, 58).

13. The regulator assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking position locks the rotation of the mode selection knob (20) from the second position to the third position, and the unlocking position enables the rotation of the mode selection knob from the second position to the third position.

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