Breathing system, in particular for spacecrafts

Abstract

A breathing system, in particular for spacecrafts, comprising:-a remote regulator (1) comprising: a 0 chamber (102), a 0 gas mixture inlet (100) opening into the chamber (102) via an intake valve (101), and a 0 gas mixture outlet (103) opening into the chamber (102), and a 0 regulating member (104) for regulating the pressure in the chamber (102),-a breathing mask (3), the invention relates to a mask (3) comprising a gas mixture outlet (103) comprising a pressure sensor (304) adapted to measure a pressure in an internal space (305), a conduit (2) connecting the gas mixture outlet (103) to the mask (3), an inlet valve (303) adapted to deliver a dilution gas into the internal space (305), and a control system (4) connected to the pressure sensor (304) and to the adjustment member (104), and is configured to control the intake valve (101) and / or the dilution gas inlet valve (303).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to regulating the proportion of oxygen delivered by a breathing system to a spacecraft occupant. More particularly, the present invention relates to a breathing system with a remote regulator for a spacecraft. Background Art

[0002] A gas mixture containing oxygen is delivered to the occupants of the spacecraft through a mask connected to a source of breathable gas. Such a source of breathable gas may deliver a gas mixture, which may contain oxygen or air highly enriched with oxygen, stored in one or more cylinders or in a pressurized oxygen reserve disposed on the spacecraft.

[0003] The oxygen supply may be replaced by an on-board oxygen generating system, for example one or more on-board oxygen generating systems (also referred to by the acronym OBOGS) supplied with air by the compressor of one or more engines.

[0004] The onboard oxygen generating system may also comprise a molecular sieve oxygen generating system (also referred to by the acronym MSOGS) arranged to provide oxygen enriched air at a desired oxygen concentration by adsorbing nitrogen from air supplied to the system.

[0005] This distribution is intended to protect the occupants from the effects of hypoxia, for example in the event of a decompression of the spacecraft cabin, in particular from the presence of smoke and / or vapors in the spacecraft cabin in the event of an accident, or from the effects of acceleration in the case of military spacecraft.

[0006] The gas mixture may also include a diluent gas, such as ambient air or air from a compressed air source.

[0007] The gas mixture is distributed by the breathing system through tubing connected to a mask placed on the user's face, in particular by means of an elastic or mechanical harness.

[0008] The breathing system includes a regulating device for regulating the proportion of oxygen delivered in the gas mixture, and a system for controlling the pressure in the tubing connected to the mask and in the mask.

[0009] The regulator can be located on the mask, as described in document US 9,227,091. Such a regulator carried on the mask constitutes a significant forward load on the wearer's face, increasing the weight of the duct. This causes uncomfortable stress in the case of prolonged use.

[0010] Alternatively, the regulator can be moved to the other end of the duct at the air and oxygen inlet, as described in document EP 0 263677. However, in order to be able to provide a suitable flow rate, the diameter of the duct must be increased. This again creates a forward load on the mask wearer's head and creates a shift in the center of gravity, making the mask uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.

[0011] In addition, such a remote regulator needs to take into account the pressure drop in the duct upstream of the mask to avoid breathing discomfort. A solution to this problem is provided in document US 3,249,107 by adding a second duct. However, this modification results in a significant increase in eccentric mass and increases the stiffness of the system, which is not conducive to user comfort.

[0012] Another solution proposed in document EP 0 500 407 consists in pneumatically compensating the pressure drop by modifying the pressure at which the gas mixture is injected into the pipe and by taking into account the secondary evolution of the pressure drop. However, this compensation cannot perfectly compensate the pressure drop because the pressure drop does not correspond exactly to the quadratic model. This prevents the use of pipes of small diameters for which the quadratic model is not well suited. This leads to pressure oscillations in the pipe, which are unpleasant for the user. This phenomenon is amplified in pipes of small diameter.

[0013] In addition, remote regulators use an inhalation valve installed between the mask and the tubing to prevent backflow in the tubing during exhalation. This valve creates an additional pressure drop, further reducing the user's breathing comfort.

[0014] Furthermore, regulators used in military or commercial spacecraft are designed to operate in several different modes, the number of which may be different for military spacecraft than for commercial spacecraft; these modes are manually selected by levers or knobs and are governed by purely mechanical components such as valves.

[0015] These modes include in particular: dispensing a mixture of oxygen and diluent gas to maintain oxygen reserves; dispensing pure oxygen; dispensing pure oxygen at an overpressure, for example relative to the pressure in the passenger compartment, in order to protect the user from gaseous pollutants; and / or dispensing pure oxygen in a continuous flow in order to compensate for any malfunction of the regulator.

[0016] Another ideal mode involves the preventive wearing of the mask, wherein only ambient air flows in the mask. This preventive mode allows a quicker switch to one of the other modes if necessary.

[0017] Air flow regulators are also known which allow the proportion of oxygen in the gas mixture to be varied by means of a venturi tube. The injection of oxygen by means of an ejector supplied with pressurized oxygen makes it possible to draw in ambient air by means of the venturi effect through a channel communicating with the outside. This channel communicating with the outside comprises an altimeter capsule which gradually closes the channel as the altitude increases, thereby reducing the proportion of air drawn in and therefore increasing the proportion of oxygen.

[0018] With this venturi system, the greater the pressure drop between the regulator and the mask, the more pressurized oxygen must be injected to draw air into the mask.

[0019] These systems therefore have a minimum enrichment rate that depends in particular on the pipe diameter. In the case of preventive use, these are not consistent with use at low or zero enrichment levels. Summary of the invention

[0020] The present invention aims to remedy the above-mentioned drawbacks by proposing a breathing system, in particular for spacecraft, which allows the gas mixture to be distributed through the mask while providing sufficient breathing comfort and a satisfactory wearing experience for long periods of time.

[0021] To this end, the present invention relates to a breathing system, in particular for a spacecraft, comprising:

[0022] - A remote regulator, the remote regulator comprising:

[0023] ○ Chamber,

[0024] o at least one gas mixture inlet connected to a source of breathable gas, said at least one gas mixture inlet opening into said chamber via a gas mixture inlet valve,

[0025] o a gas mixture outlet leading to the chamber, and

[0026] o at least one regulating member for regulating the pressure in the chamber,

[0027] a breathing mask intended to be placed on the face of a user and defining an interior space, said breathing mask comprising a pressure sensor suitable for measuring the pressure in the interior space,

[0028] - at least one conduit fluidly connecting the gas mixture outlet of the regulator to the mask,

[0029] - at least one dilution gas inlet valve adapted to deliver dilution gas into the interior space and / or chamber, and

[0030] - at least one control system connected to the pressure sensor and to the regulating member and configured to control the gas mixture inlet valve and / or the dilution gas inlet valve.

[0031] This breathing system can implement the four operating modes described above in a fully automatic manner. In addition, this breathing system can prevent pressure oscillations in the pipeline and reduce the diameter of the pipeline to improve user comfort during long-term mask wearing.

[0032] Such remote adjusters are mounted, for example, on a fixed structure of the spacecraft, such as a seat, an instrument panel or a storage box.

[0033] The breathable gas is, for example, oxygen from a pressurized bottle and / or from an oxygen on demand generating device. The diluent gas is, for example, ambient air.

[0034] The dilution gas inlet valve may be located on the mask and open directly into the interior space.

[0035] The regulating member may comprise at least one pressure sensor adapted to measure the pressure in the chamber and connected to the control system.

[0036] This sensor allows the pressure in the chamber to be measured directly and thus regulated efficiently by the control system.

[0037] The regulating member may comprise at least one flow sensor adapted to measure the gas flow rate through the inlet and / or outlet of the regulator, each flow sensor being connected to the control system.

[0038] This sensor allows direct measurement of the delivered gas flow rate.

[0039] The flow sensors may be arranged to measure the flow rate of incoming breathable gas, the flow rate of incoming dilution gas, and / or the flow rate of the gas mixture delivered into the conduit or into the interior space of the mask.

[0040] The regulating member may comprise at least one mechanical element arranged to experience the force exerted by the pressure in the chamber and to transmit a rebound force in order to mechanically control the gas mixture inlet valve.

[0041] Such sensors can implement passive mechanical regulation without the need for electronic systems, for example, the sensors can be combined with electronic regulation to supplement it when unexpected events occur.

[0042] As examples, the mechanical element may include an elastic diaphragm or a compression spring.

[0043] The tube can lead to the inner space of the mask through the inhalation valve. This configuration can prevent the exhaled gas from flowing back into the tube.

[0044] The mask can include an exhalation valve that is regulated in particular by the internal pressure of the conduit. Arranged in this way, it can be ensured that an overpressure is maintained in the interior space of the mask.

[0045] The internal cross-sectional area of ​​the pipe can be less than or equal to 150mm 2 , especially less than or equal to 115 mm 2 , more particularly less than or equal to 80 mm 2 , more particularly less than or equal to 80 mm 2 .

[0046] Such dimensions allow the weight of the conduit to be reduced and offset relative to the user's face, thereby improving user comfort when wearing the mask for extended periods of time.

[0047] The dilution gas inlet valve may open into the regulator chamber and be connected to a source of breathable gas, in particular a second source of breathable gas, in particular a source of compressed air.

[0048] This feature may implement dilution of the breathable gas at the regulator.

[0049] The regulator may comprise damping means in fluid communication with the chamber, in particular the secondary chamber, in particular via a constriction, said means being adapted to filter out pressure oscillations in the chamber.

[0050] The damping means comprises a secondary chamber connected to the chamber, for example by at least one constriction. The volume of the secondary chamber and the diameter of the constriction are selected so as to filter out pressure oscillations associated with the pneumatic circuit.

[0051] The chamber and the sub-chamber are arranged fluidically in parallel.

[0052] Alternatively, the damping device may comprise a separator with at least one constriction, said separator dividing the chamber into two consecutive chambers mounted fluidly in series.A plurality of chambers more than two mounted fluidly in parallel and / or in series may be envisaged.

[0053] Alternatively, the damping means may comprise a laminar outlet aperture and a diaphragm arranged in the chamber.

[0054] Alternatively, the damping device may comprise a diaphragm expansion tank.

[0055] The regulator may include a pressure sensor and / or a pressure regulator disposed upstream of the gas mixture inlet valve and configured to measure and / or regulate the pressure of the breathable gas mixture from the source, respectively.

[0056] This feature avoids pressure variations from the source of breathable gas.

[0057] The pressure sensor and / or the pressure regulator are in particular controlled by a control system.

[0058] Of course, different features, variants and / or embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations, as long as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] The invention will be better understood and other characteristics and advantages will become apparent after reading the following detailed description, including the examples given for illustrative purposes and presented as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, which may serve to complete the understanding of the invention and the description of its embodiments and, where appropriate, contribute to its definition, in which:

[0060] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a breathing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

[0061] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a breathing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention,

[0062] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a breathing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention,

[0063] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a breathing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and

[0064] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a breathing system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] exist Figure 1 1 shows in schematic form a breathing system 10, in particular for a spacecraft, according to a first embodiment of the invention. Such a breathing system 10 is intended to deliver or distribute a gas mixture comprising a breathable gas to at least one occupant of the spacecraft.

[0066] The dispensing of the gas mixture may take place from a breathable gas source. Such a breathable gas source may be a gas mixture, which may contain oxygen or air highly enriched with oxygen, stored in one or more cylinders or in a pressurized oxygen reserve arranged on board the spacecraft.

[0067] The oxygen supply may be replaced by an onboard oxygen generating system, such as one or more onboard oxygen generator systems (also referred to by the acronym OBOGS) supplied with air by the compressor of one or more engines.

[0068] The onboard oxygen generating system may also comprise a molecular sieve oxygen generating system (also referred to by the acronym MSOGS) arranged to provide oxygen enriched air at a desired oxygen concentration by adsorbing nitrogen from air supplied to the system.

[0069] The occupant may be, for example, a pilot of a spacecraft, whose alertness and performance are always crucial. Therefore, he must receive a certain proportion of oxygen for a long period of time, which is suitable for the critical situation he faces.

[0070] The breathing system 10 comprises a regulator 1 capable of delivering a flow of gas into a distribution member. The distribution member comprises at least one duct 2 suitable for allowing the circulation of a gas mixture comprising a breathable gas, and a mask 3 intended for distributing the gas mixture comprising a breathable gas to an occupant.

[0071] The breathing system 10 also includes a control system 4 .

[0072] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the regulator 1 is a demand regulator, ie is configured to deliver the air flow when the occupant inhales.

[0073] For this purpose, the regulator 1 comprises a gas mixture inlet 100, in particular a first gas mixture inlet 100. The gas mixture inlet 100 may be connected to a source of breathable gas, in particular a first source of breathable gas, such as pure oxygen from a pressurized cylinder.

[0074] The gas mixture inlet 100 has a gas mixture inlet valve 101 , in particular a first gas mixture inlet valve 101 , which is adapted to adjust the flow rate of the gas mixture flowing through the gas mixture inlet 100 .

[0075] The gas mixture inlet valve 101 is in particular an electronic valve comprising a control device adapted to continuously control the gradual opening of the gas mixture inlet valve 101. In particular, the gas mixture inlet valve 101 advantageously has very fast dynamic characteristics when it is opened and closed, for example greater than or equal to 10 Hz, which means that the gas mixture inlet valve 101 can be opened or closed in less than one tenth of a second, in particular according to a command from the control system 4.

[0076] The control means of the gas mixture inlet valve 101 are for example piezoelectric, electromagnetic, electrostatic, pneumatic or some other type. The gas mixture inlet valve may for example be a linear or rotary actuator.

[0077] Furthermore, the gas mixture inlet valve 101 can be of an amplified or direct control type, in particular amplifying via a pneumatic system a control signal provided by a control device 4 of the gas mixture inlet valve 101 , in particular an electrical control device of the gas mixture inlet valve 101 .

[0078] The gas mixture inlet 100 leads to a chamber 102 of the regulator 1. The chamber 102 of the regulator 1 comprises a gas mixture outlet 103 which is fluidly connected to the conduit 2.

[0079] The chamber 102 is a sealed chamber. Furthermore, according to a particular embodiment, the chamber 102 may include at least one pressure regulating member regulating the pressure of the gas mixture present in the chamber 102 .

[0080] exist Figure 1 In the first embodiment shown in FIG, the pressure regulating member comprises at least one pressure sensor 104. The pressure sensor 104 is arranged to measure the pressure in the chamber 102, in particular under the control of the control system 4. The control system 4 thus configured controls the control device of the gas mixture inlet valve 101.

[0081] The regulator 1 may also include a damping device, such as a pneumatic damper. According to this alternative, the damping device comprises a secondary chamber 106 preferably fluidically connected to the main chamber 102. The fluid connection between the main chamber 102 and the secondary chamber 106 may be achieved by a constriction 105. In this configuration, the secondary chamber 106 may therefore be considered to be mounted in fluid parallel with the main chamber 102.

[0082] In order to achieve the function as a damping device, the volume of the secondary chamber 106 and the diameter of the constriction 105 are selected so as to dampen pressure oscillations in the primary chamber 102 .

[0083] According to one variant, the damping device, in particular a pneumatic damper, comprises a divider which divides the main chamber 102 into two sub-chambers which are fluidically mounted in series. For this purpose, the divider separating the main chamber 102 comprises a constriction which provides a fluid connection between the two sub-chambers which are mounted in series. Thus, the gas mixture inlet 100 is arranged on one side of the divider and the gas mixture outlet 103 is arranged on the other side of the divider.

[0084] The number of chambers is not limited to two. A greater number of chambers can be envisaged, with the presence of a plurality of chambers being arranged fluidically in parallel and / or in series.

[0085] Alternatively, the damping device, in particular a pneumatic damper, may include a laminar outlet aperture and a diaphragm arranged in the primary chamber 102 and / or the secondary chamber 106 .

[0086] According to another alternative, the damping device, in particular the pneumatic damper, may comprise a diaphragm expansion tank.

[0087] The regulator 1 may further comprise a pressure sensor 108, in particular a first pressure sensor 108, and / or a pressure regulator 107, in particular a first pressure regulator 107. In this case, the pressure sensor 108 and / or the pressure regulator 107 are mounted on the inlet 100 upstream of the gas mixture inlet valve 101. Advantageously, the pressure sensor 108 and / or the pressure regulator 107 are controlled by the control system 4.

[0088] Pressure sensor 108 and pressure regulator 107 may protect against pressure variations in the gas mixture from the source of breathable gas by measuring and compensating for possible pressure variations upstream of the gas mixture inlet valve 101 .

[0089] The conduit 2 is advantageously flexible or at least partially flexible, particularly in the portion connected to the mask 3. A first end of the conduit 2 is connected to the gas mixture outlet 103 of the regulator 1. A second end of the conduit 2 is connected to the mask 3. The conduit 2 provides a fluid connection between the gas mixture outlet 103 and the mask 3, so that the breathable gas mixture flowing through the gas mixture inlet valve 101 is delivered to the wearer of the mask 3.

[0090] The tube 2 is advantageously a small diameter tube and preferably has a low weight so as to cause only moderate discomfort when the mask 3 is worn for a long period of time.

[0091] For example, the internal cross-sectional area of ​​the pipe 2 may be less than or equal to 150 mm 2 , in particular less than or equal to 115 mm 2 , more particularly less than or equal to 85 mm 2 , more particularly less than or equal to 80 mm 2 .

[0092] The mask 3 is an oronasal mask which can be placed on the face of an occupant or wearer to whom a gas mixture comprising a breathable gas is to be delivered. The mask is preferably arranged in a sealing manner on the face of the wearer of the mask 3. For this purpose, the mask 3 may have a retaining device for ensuring that the mask 3 remains on the face of the occupant. Such retaining devices are, for example, elastic harnesses, bayonet fastening systems or mechanical harnesses.

[0093] The mask 3 is generally concave and defines an interior space 305. When the mask 3 is secured to the wearer's face, the interior space 305 is enclosed by the wearer's skin.

[0094] A gas mixture comprising a breathable gas is distributed into the interior space 305 such that a wearer of the mask 3 can inhale the gas mixture and can also exhale the gas mixture.

[0095] The mask 3 comprises a mask inlet 300 connected to the second end of the conduit 2. According to an exemplary embodiment, the mask inlet 300 has an inhalation valve 301 into which the conduit 2 leads. The inhalation valve 301 is adapted to allow a gas mixture comprising a breathable gas to enter the interior space 305 from the conduit 2.

[0096] In addition, the mask 3 may further include a dilution gas inlet valve 303 leading to the outside of the mask 3 , in particular a first dilution gas inlet valve 303 . The dilution gas inlet valve 303 is adapted to allow dilution gas, in particular dilution gas from the external environment, to enter the inner space 305 .

[0097] The mask 3 also advantageously comprises an exhalation valve 302. The exhalation valve 302 is adapted to allow the exhaust of the gas exhaled by the wearer. The exhalation valve 302 may comprise an exhalation flap 302b. The exhalation flap 302b may be pushed to a closed position by an elastic element.

[0098] The exhalation valve 302 may further comprise a compensation chamber 302c in which the compensation pressure Pc prevails. In addition, the exhalation valve 302 may further comprise a communication channel 302a adapted to connect the compensation chamber 302 to the duct 2 of the regulator 1 , particularly at the mask inlet 300 of the mask 3 .

[0099] According to one particular alternative of the invention, the expiratory flap 302b is designed so that the compensation pressure Pc prevailing in the compensation chamber 302c and the pressure P prevailing in the interior space 305 of the mask 3 are applied to comparable surfaces of the expiratory flap 302b. As a result, the expiratory flap 302b is closed as long as the pressure P in the interior space 305 is below the compensation pressure Pc.

[0100] During exhalation at excess pressure, ie when the pressure P in the interior space 305 exceeds the compensation pressure Pc in the compensation chamber 302c, the exhalation flap 302b opens. The gas exhaled by the wearer can then be discharged from the mask 3.

[0101] This allows gas to leave the inner space 305 between the mask 3 and the wearer's skin only when the pressure P in the inner space 305 exceeds the pressure in the duct 2. This makes it possible to maintain an overpressure in the inner space 305.

[0102] The mask 3 further comprises a pressure sensor 304 adapted to measure the pressure P in the inner space 305. The pressure sensor 304 of the mask 3 is advantageously connected to the control system 4. The measurement of the pressure P in the inner space 305 makes it possible in particular to detect the inhalation of the wearer and to deliver a gas mixture comprising the desired breathable gas.

[0103] The control system 4 is, for example, a circuit board comprising at least one processor suitable for executing programs, and at least one memory storing instructions for executing these programs.

[0104] According to another embodiment, the control system 4 may also be completely analog. The control system 4 may also include control logic or control electronics and power electronics for controlling the gas mixture inlet valve 101 .

[0105] The control system 4 is in particular configured for controlling the breathing system 10 in various desired operating modes, in particular four desired operating modes, and allows the operating mode to be selected automatically or via an interface depending on the situation.

[0106] The first operating mode ensures delivery of undiluted oxygen at ambient pressure.In the first operating mode, the dilution gas inlet valve 303 remains closed.

[0107] When the wearer inhales, this defines an inhalation demand that creates a negative pressure in the interior space 305. As a result, the inhalation valve 301 opens, thereby allowing communication between the duct 2 and the interior space 305 of the mask 3.

[0108] In parallel, the control system 4 uses the pressure sensor 104 located in the chamber 102 of the regulator 1 and the pressure sensor 304 of the mask 3 , in particular the pressure sensor mounted on the mask 3 , to control the gas mixture inlet valve 101 and allow the gas mixture including the breathable gas to enter the chamber 102 .

[0109] At the end of the inspiration phase, the pressure at the mask 3, the duct 2 and the chamber 102 of the regulator 1 stabilizes at about the ambient pressure. The gas mixture inlet valve 101 is then closed.

[0110] During the exhalation phase, the exhalation valve 302 opens under the influence of the overpressure in the interior space 305 caused by the exhalation, thereby allowing the exhaled gases to be discharged to the outside of the mask 3.

[0111] The second operating mode ensures the delivery of undiluted oxygen under overpressure.The second operating mode is similar to the first operating mode, except that the dilution gas inlet valve 303 remains closed.

[0112] To achieve overpressure in the interior space 305 (also called the oronasal cavity), the gas mixture inlet valve 101 allows a gas mixture including breathable gas to be supplied to the mask 3 as long as the pressure in the interior space 305 measured by the pressure sensor 304 is below a target overpressure.

[0113] At the end of the inspiration phase, the pressure in the mask 3 and in the chamber 102 is stabilized around the target overpressure. The control system 4 commands the gas mixture inlet valve 101 to close.

[0114] The exhaled gases are discharged via the exhalation valve 302. This therefore allows maintaining a pressure in the inner space 305 which is close to or substantially equal to the pressure in the duct 2 regulated by the pressure sensor 104.

[0115] The third operating mode ensures the supply of a gas mixture comprising a breathable gas and a diluent gas. This allows the wearer of the mask 3 to be protected from the effects of hyperoxia.

[0116] Indeed, under certain conditions, it may be necessary to dilute the gas mixture comprising breathable gas from a breathable gas source, in particular an oxygen-enriched source, with a diluent gas, in particular ambient air. This therefore allows the wearer of the mask 3 to be protected from the effects of hyperoxia. This also allows optimizing autonomy, among other things.

[0117] To this end, the control system 4 controls the opening of the dilution gas inlet valve 303 in parallel with supplying the gas mixture comprising breathable gas according to the desired dilution level, ie the ratio between the gas mixture comprising breathable gas and the dilution gas.

[0118] The fourth operating mode corresponds to the extreme case where it is desired to fully supply the wearer of the mask 3 with ambient air. This allows the preventive wearing of the mask 3 without consuming a gas mixture comprising a breathable gas, in particular a gas mixture from an oxygen reserve. The dilution gas inlet valve 303 of the mask 3 is then opened and the gas mixture inlet valve 101 is closed.

[0119] Figures 1 to 5 Different embodiments of the present invention are shown. Therefore, structural and / or functional elements common to different embodiments may have the same reference numerals. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, such elements have the same structure, size and material properties and similar operations.

[0120] exist Figure 2 The second embodiment of the present invention is shown in a schematic diagram. Except for the following aspects, the second embodiment is similar to Figure 1 The first embodiment of the invention shown is the same.

[0121] In the second embodiment, the pressure regulating member regulating the pressure in the chamber 102 comprises at least one flow sensor 110, in particular at least a first flow sensor 110a and / or at least a second flow sensor 110b. The flow sensor 110, in particular the first flow sensor 110a and the second flow sensor 110b, supplements or replaces the pressure sensor 104.

[0122] Each flow sensor 110 is, for example, a thermal sensor (particularly of the hot wire probe type), an acoustic sensor (particularly of the Doppler effect type), a mechanical sensor (particularly of the cantilever or Coriolis effect type), or a pressure loss sensor (particularly of the Venturi, laminar, orifice plate type, etc.).

[0123] More specifically, the first flow sensor 110a and the corresponding second flow sensor 110b can be a thermal sensor (especially a hot wire probe type), an acoustic wave sensor (especially a Doppler effect type), a mechanical sensor (especially a cantilever or Coriolis effect type) or a pressure loss sensor (especially a Venturi tube, laminar, orifice plate type, etc.).

[0124] Specifically, the first flow sensor 110a and the second flow sensor 110b may be of different types. The positioning of the pressure sensor according to the geometry of the valve and the pipe also makes it possible to obtain the flow rate value in an equivalent manner according to Bernoulli's principle or Poiseuille's law.

[0125] According to a particular embodiment, the first flow sensor 110a may be mounted to measure the flow rate of the gas mixture including breathable gas through the gas mixture outlet 103. Additionally or alternatively, the second flow sensor 110b may be mounted to measure the flow rate of the gas mixture including breathable gas through the gas mixture inlet 100.

[0126] Preferably, the first flow sensor 110a, respectively the second flow sensor 110b, is connected to the control system 4. In such a configuration, the control system 4 is configured to adjust the supply of the gas mixture comprising the breathable gas as a function of the inlet and outlet flow rates and advantageously as a function of the control means of the gas mixture inlet valve 101, in particular the pneumatic system downstream of the gas mixture inlet valve 101.

[0127] Furthermore, the first flow sensor 110a, respectively the second flow sensor 110b, provides flow rate information of the gas mixture comprising breathable gas delivered to the wearer of the mask 3, which is very advantageous for calculating the dilution rate in the above-mentioned third operating mode, in which a gas mixture comprising breathable gas and diluent gas is supplied.

[0128] Alternatively, a single flow sensor 110 may be used at either the gas mixture inlet 100 or the gas mixture outlet 103 .

[0129] exist Figure 3 The third embodiment is schematically shown in FIG. 1 . Except for several aspects described below, the third embodiment is similar to Figure 2 The same as the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

[0130] In the third embodiment, the pressure regulating member regulating the pressure in the chamber 102 comprises at least one mechanical element 111, in particular at least one diaphragm 111, more in particular at least one elastic diaphragm 111. The pressure in the chamber 102 is applied to the mechanical element 111, in particular to the diaphragm 111.

[0131] According to a particular arrangement of the invention, a mechanical element 111 is connected to the gas mixture inlet valve 101. The mechanical element 111 so arranged, in particular the elastic diaphragm 111, is able to push the gas mixture inlet valve 101 so as to close the gas mixture inlet valve when the pressure exerted on the mechanical element 111 exceeds the ambient pressure. Thus, the mechanical element 111 is arranged to withstand the force exerted by the pressure in the chamber 102 and to transmit a rebound force so as to mechanically control the gas mixture inlet valve 101.

[0132] This allows for a purely mechanical regulation of the pressure in chamber 102 without the involvement of electronics.

[0133] Furthermore, the mechanical element 111, in particular in the form of a diaphragm 111 or a piston, can be supplemented with an elastic element that opposes its action. This configuration makes it possible to achieve a purely mechanical regulation, in which the pressure threshold that leads to the closing of the gas mixture inlet valve 101 can be varied.

[0134] exist Figure 4 The fourth embodiment is shown schematically in FIG. 1 . Except for the aspects described below, the fourth embodiment is similar to Figure 1 The first embodiment of the invention shown is the same.

[0135] In the fourth embodiment, the mask 3 preferably does not include a dilution gas inlet valve directly communicating with the outside.

[0136] According to a fourth embodiment, the regulator 1 comprises a second gas mixture inlet 100c. The second gas mixture inlet 100c is connectable to a second source of breathable gas, in particular a source of compressed air, acting as a dilution gas source.

[0137] According to an alternative embodiment, the first source of breathable gas and the second source of breathable gas may be the same source of breathable gas.

[0138] The second gas mixture inlet 100c leads to the chamber 102, in particular through a dilution gas inlet valve 101c, in particular a second dilution gas inlet valve 101c. The second dilution gas inlet valve 101c can be a valve similar to the first gas mixture inlet valve 101 and is adapted to be controlled by the control system 4.

[0139] According to a specific arrangement of the fourth embodiment, the first gas mixture intake valve 101 and the second dilution gas intake valve 101 c are provided with flow sensors 110 , respectively.

[0140] Specifically, the first gas mixture intake valve 101 has a second flow sensor 110b, as described above with respect to Figure 2 and 3 Furthermore, the second dilution gas inlet valve 101c has a third flow sensor 110c which is particularly similar to the first flow sensor 110a or the second flow sensor 110b described above. The third flow sensor 110c is also part of the regulating member.

[0141] The second gas mixture inlet 100c optionally includes a second pressure sensor 108c and / or a second pressure reducer 107c. In this case, the second pressure sensor 108c and / or the second pressure regulator 107c are on the second gas mixture inlet 100c upstream of the second dilution gas inlet valve 101c. The second pressure sensor 108c and the second pressure reducer 107c can be similar to the first pressure sensor 108 and the first pressure regulator 107 described for the first gas mixture inlet valve 101, respectively.

[0142] The control system 4 is then able to regulate the flow rate of incoming breathable gas and the flow rate of incoming dilution gas by controlling the first gas mixture inlet valve 101 and the second dilution gas inlet valve 101c, the dilution taking place in the chamber 102 upstream of the duct 2, which ensures a fluid connection between the regulator 1 and the mask 3.

[0143] Such a control system 4 thus allows the proportion of breathable gas, in particular oxygen, in the gas mixture delivered to a user wearing the mask 3 to be precisely adjusted.

[0144] As a variant, the control of the dilution may additionally or alternatively be performed by an oxygen sensor located in the chamber 102, which may then replace the second flow sensor 110b and / or the third flow sensor 110c. It is also possible to use physiological measurements of the user wearing the mask 3, for example provided by a pulse oximeter, in order to adjust the dilution level.

[0145] Alternatively, the local oxygen sensor can be arranged in the conduit 2 fluidly connecting the gas mixture outlet 103 of the regulator 1 to the mask 3.

[0146] exist Figure 5 The fifth embodiment is shown schematically in FIG. 1 . Except for the aspects described below, the fifth embodiment is similar to Figure 1 The first embodiment of the invention shown is the same.

[0147] In the fifth embodiment, the damping means, in particular the pneumatic damper and precisely the secondary chamber 106, is arranged in fluid series with the primary chamber 102, in particular upstream thereof with respect to the flow direction of the gas mixture comprising breathable gas.

[0148] For this purpose, a divider is arranged between the main chamber 102 and the damping means, in particular the secondary chamber 106. In this configuration, the divider comprises a constriction 105 which ensures a fluid connection between the main chamber 102 and the damping means mounted in series.

[0149] Thus, a gas mixture inlet 100 is arranged on one side of the divider, in particular opening into the primary chamber 102 , and a gas mixture outlet 103 is arranged on the other side of the divider, in particular opening into the secondary chamber 106 .

[0150] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and is provided only as an example. The present invention encompasses various modifications, alternative forms and other variations that may be conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention, and in particular all combinations of the above-described different operating modes, which may be adopted individually or in combination, provided that such combinations are not incompatible with each other.

Claims

1. A breathing system particularly for use in a spacecraft, comprising: - A remote regulator (1) comprising: ○ Chamber (102), o at least one gas mixture inlet (100) connected to a source of breathable gas, said at least one gas mixture inlet opening into said chamber (102) via a gas mixture inlet valve (101), and o a gas mixture outlet (103) leading to the chamber (102), and o at least one regulating member (104, 110a, 110b, 110c, 111) for regulating the pressure in the chamber (102), a breathing mask (3) intended to be placed on the face of a user, defining an inner space (305), said breathing mask comprising a pressure sensor (304) suitable for measuring the pressure in said inner space (305), - at least one conduit (2) fluidly connecting the gas mixture outlet (103) of the regulator (1) to the mask (3), - at least one dilution gas inlet valve (303, 101c) adapted to deliver dilution gas into the inner space (305) and / or the chamber (102), and - at least one control system (4) connected to the pressure sensor (304) and the regulating member (104, 110a, 110b, 110c, 111) and configured to control the gas mixture inlet valve (101) and / or the dilution gas inlet valve (303, 101c).

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The regulating member comprises at least one pressure sensor (104) adapted to measure the pressure in the chamber (102) and connected to the control system (4).

3. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The regulating member comprises at least one flow sensor (110a, 110b, 110c) adapted to measure the gas flow rate through the gas mixture inlet (100) and / or the gas mixture outlet (103) of the regulator (1) and connected to the control system (4).

4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The regulating member comprises at least one mechanical element (111) arranged to be subjected to the force exerted by the pressure in the chamber (102) and to transmit a rebound force in order to mechanically control the gas mixture inlet valve (101).

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The pipeline (2) leads to the internal space (305) of the mask (3) through an inhalation valve (301).

6. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The mask (3) comprises an exhalation valve (302) which is regulated in particular by the internal pressure of the duct (2).

7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The internal cross-sectional area of ​​the pipe (2) is less than or equal to 150 mm 2 , especially less than or equal to 115 mm 2 , especially less than or equal to 80 mm 2 , more particularly less than or equal to 80 mm 2 .

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The dilution gas inlet valve (101c) opens into the chamber (102) of the regulator (1) and is connected to a source of breathable gas, in particular a second source of breathable gas, in particular a source of compressed air.

9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The regulator (1) comprises damping means, in particular a secondary chamber (106), which is in fluid communication with the chamber (102), in particular via a constriction (105), the damping means being suitable for filtering out pressure oscillations in the chamber (102).

10. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The regulator (1) comprises a pressure sensor (108) and / or a pressure regulator (107) which are arranged upstream of the gas mixture inlet valve (101) and are respectively configured to measure and / or regulate the pressure of the gas mixture from the source of breathable gas.

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