Aircraft control system and associated aircraft

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control system (1) for an aircraft (2) enabling a pilot of said aircraft (2) to control aerodynamic means (3), said control system (1) comprising a processing unit (7) for generating control commands, said control commands being transmitted to control devices (4) to modify a position of said aerodynamic means (3) and to pilot said aircraft (2) along four control axes having a pitch control axis, a roll control axis, a yaw movement control axis and a lift control axis, said control system (1) comprising a control member (10) generating control instructions, said control instructions being transmitted to said processing unit (7) generating said control commands under the dependence of said control instructions, said control member (10) being mechanically uncoupled from said control devices (4).Abbreviated figure: figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Aircraft control system and associated aircraft

[0001] The present invention relates to a control system for an aircraft.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a control system making it possible to facilitate the piloting of an aircraft such as, for example, a fixed-wing aircraft or a rotary-wing aircraft, in particular a helicopter.

[0003] Generally, an aircraft pilot uses several separate control members such as, for example, levers, sticks, pedals or steering wheels to pilot the aircraft along several axes. Several separate members independent of each other make it possible in particular to pilot the aircraft along four control axes having a pitch control axis, a roll control axis, a yaw movement control axis and a lift control axis.

[0004] Furthermore, according to a first example and in particular when the aircraft is a helicopter, such a lift control axis can make it possible, for example, to modify an altitude of the aircraft relative to sea level or, on the contrary, to keep this altitude constant.

[0005] According to a second example and in particular when the aircraft is an airplane, such a lift control axis can also make it possible to modify a thrust and therefore a speed of movement of the aircraft relative to the ground.

[0006] Also known, as described in document FR 2 479 133, are control systems for controlling aerodynamic means of an aircraft, with mechanically uncoupled flight controls. Such control systems are sometimes called "fly by wire" in English and thus make it possible in particular to improve the ergonomics of a cockpit and to offer better visibility by eliminating certain mechanical connection parts in the cockpit, such as rods, linkages or cables. In addition, this document describes a single control lever that can be maneuvered by a pilot. The control lever is thus movable according to a linear annular type connection and then has three degrees of freedom in rotation and one degree of freedom in translation relative to a seat of the aircraft on which the pilot is seated.Several movements are possible, namely a vertical movement upwards and downwards, a longitudinal movement forwards and backwards, a lateral movement to the right and to the left as well as a rotational movement around an axis of rotation arranged substantially vertically.

[0007] Force feedback systems act on the control lever to counter the various movements of the control lever and allow it to be replaced in a central resting position.

[0008] However, operating the control lever may require special training and qualification of the pilot for this type of aircraft.

[0009] In addition, the longitudinal and lateral movements of the control lever may require a relatively significant handling force for the pilot. Such a control system may thus generate, through its prolonged use, repeated efforts which are sources of fatigue for the pilot.

[0010] Document EP 2 759 473 describes a control member provided with a collective pitch lever for piloting an aircraft along a lift control axis and a handle for piloting the aircraft along a yaw movement control axis.

[0011] Thus, such a control member then makes it possible to group the controls of the aircraft along only two control axes. Such a control member must therefore be combined with, for example, a cyclic pitch stick or mini-stick to pilot the aircraft along a pitch control axis and a roll control axis.

[0012] As described in document FR 3 038 294, control systems are also known comprising two separate control members intended to be actuated respectively by a pilot and a co-pilot. Such control members comprise two mini-sticks which allow control, in particular in pitch and roll, of the aircraft.

[0013] However, these control members must be associated with other control members allowing, for example, control of the yaw movements and control of the lift of the aircraft.

[0014] The present invention therefore aims to propose an alternative control system making it possible to overcome the limitations mentioned above.

[0015] Furthermore, an objective of the invention is to provide a control system which is intuitive to use and has a control member which is simple to use and easy to operate.

[0016] The invention therefore relates to a control system for an aircraft, the control system being configured to allow a pilot of the aircraft to control aerodynamic means of an aircraft, the control system comprising a processing unit for generating control orders, the control orders being transmitted to control devices for modifying a position of the aerodynamic means and for piloting the aircraft along four control axes having a pitch control axis, a roll control axis, a yaw movement control axis and a lift control axis, the control system comprising a control member generating control instructions, the control instructions being transmitted to the processing unit generating the control orders control dependent on control instructions, the control member being mechanically decoupled from the control devices.

[0017] According to the invention, such a control system is remarkable in that the control member comprises at least:

[0018] - a multidirectional control interface generating control instructions for piloting the aircraft on the one hand along a first control axis and on the other hand along a second control axis distinct from the first control axis, the first control axis and the second control axis being chosen from among the four control axes, - a first bidirectional control button generating control instructions for piloting the aircraft according to a third control axis distinct from the first control axis and the second control axis, the third control axis being chosen from among the four axes, and - a second bidirectional control button generating control instructions for piloting the aircraft according to a fourth control axis distinct from the first control axis, the second control axis and the third control axis, the fourth control axis being chosen from among the four axes, and - a handle configured to be grasped by a pilot's hand, the multidirectional control interface, the first bidirectional control button and the second bidirectional control button being arranged on a first end of the handle, the multidirectional control interface, the first bidirectional control button and the second bidirectional control button being configured to be actuated by at least one finger of the pilot's hand, the handle comprising a second end configured to be secured in a zero-degree-of-freedom embedding type connection with a support of the aircraft.

[0019] In other words, the multidirectional control interface, the first bidirectional control button and the second bidirectional control button are carried by the same control member.

[0020] The pilot can thus pilot the aircraft without making any displacement or movement of the control member. The pilot therefore does not have to exert any effort on a control lever to move it and to possibly counteract restoring forces. According to the invention, the pilot only operates the multidirectional control interface, the first bidirectional control button and the second bidirectional control button to pilot the aircraft along the four axes. In addition, the multidirectional control interface may comprise a ball, a ball, a touchpad or slab, a directional cross, an analog stick or even a button in the shape of a Chinese hat for example.

[0021] Such a multidirectional control interface can therefore be operated by the palm of a hand or by one or more fingers of a pilot's hand.

[0022] Optionally, a pilot of the aircraft can pilot the aircraft along the four control axes using only one of his fingers of one hand, for example the thumb of his right hand. In this case, the multidirectional control interface, the first bidirectional control button and the second bidirectional control button are actuated individually one after the other, for example by making impulse type contacts and then automatically returning to a central rest position. Force feedback or return means can therefore be used to return the multidirectional control interface, the first bidirectional control button and the second bidirectional control button to their respective central positions.

[0023] In addition, depending on the chosen location of the multidirectional and bidirectional control buttons on the control interface, a pilot of the aircraft can also control the aircraft along the four control axes simultaneously using several of his fingers of one hand, for example the thumb, index finger and middle finger of his right hand. In this case, the multidirectional control button is actuated by the thumb, the first bidirectional control button is actuated by the index finger and the second bidirectional control button can be actuated by the middle finger, all simultaneously, by making impulse type contacts and then automatically returning to a central rest position.

[0024] Furthermore, the processing unit may comprise, for example, at least one processor and at least one memory, at least one integrated circuit, at least one programmable system, at least one logic circuit, these examples not limiting the scope given to the expression “processing unit”. The term processor may also designate a central processing unit known by the acronym CPU, a graphics processing unit GPU, a digital unit known by the acronym DSP, a microcontroller, etc.

[0025] Such a processing unit can be connected by wire or wireless means to the multidirectional control interface to receive, for example, pitch and roll control instructions. These control instructions are then processed by the processing unit which generates the control commands as output. Such control commands can vary depending on other input parameters such as, for example, the speed of movement of the aircraft.

[0026] Thus, when the movement speed is lower than a predetermined speed threshold, the multidirectional control interface can, via processing carried out by the processing unit, allow the pilot to modify, for example, a reference or a movement speed objective relative to the ground according to a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. These longitudinal and lateral directions can advantageously be chosen to be perpendicular to each other and then make it possible to define, with a vertical direction linked to the force of gravity, a terrestrial orthonormal reference frame.

[0027] Alternatively, when the movement speed is greater than this predetermined speed threshold, the multidirectional control interface and the processing unit can allow the pilot to modify, for example, a reference or a movement speed objective relative to the air and / or possibly in longitudinal and lateral directions.

[0028] Similarly, the first two-way control button and / or the second two-way control button may include a wheel, a directional cross, an analog stick or even a button in the shape of a Chinese hat for example.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first bidirectional control button can be manipulated by a pilot in a left direction oriented towards a left side of the aircraft and in a right direction oriented towards a right side of the aircraft. The left and right sides are further defined with respect to an anteroposterior direction inscribed in an anteroposterior plane extending from a tail of the aircraft towards a nose of the aircraft.

[0030] Furthermore, the second bidirectional control knob can be manipulated by the pilot in an upper direction oriented towards an upper or front side of the aircraft and in a lower direction oriented towards a lower or rear side of the aircraft.

[0031] Furthermore, the first bidirectional control button and the second bidirectional control button are also connected by wire or wireless means to the processing unit so as to process the control instructions thus generated and to pilot the aircraft differently depending on the speed of movement of the aircraft.

[0032] Thus, when the movement speed is lower than a predetermined speed threshold, the second bidirectional control button can allow the pilot to modify, for example, a reference or a movement speed objective according to the vertical direction of the terrestrial reference frame.

[0033] Alternatively, when the movement speed is greater than this predetermined speed threshold, the second bidirectional control button can allow the pilot to modify, for example, a reference or a slope objective of the current trajectory of the aircraft.

[0034] Furthermore, whatever the speed of movement of the aircraft, the first bidirectional control button can allow the pilot to modify, for example, a heading reference or a target angular yaw rate of the aircraft.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first control axis can be the pitch control axis, the second control axis may be the roll control axis, the third control axis may be the yaw control axis, and the fourth control axis may be the lift control axis.

[0036] Advantageously, the first two-way control button and the second two-way control button can be grouped together and form a multi-way control button.

[0037] In this case, the multidirectional control button may comprise, like the multidirectional control interface, a ball, a slab or a touchpad, a directional cross, an analog stick or even a button in the shape of a Chinese hat for example.

[0038] In this case, such a multidirectional control button can allow the pilot to control the aircraft along the four control axes simultaneously using two of his fingers of one hand, for example the thumb and index finger of his right hand.

[0039] Furthermore, several variant embodiments of the invention are envisaged depending on the location of the handle in the cockpit of the aircraft.

[0040] According to another variant of the invention compatible with the previous variants, the control member may comprise at least one monostable switch actuable between a rest position and an activated position generating a selection control instruction.

[0041] Such a selection control instruction is then transmitted by wired or wireless means to the processing unit to select, for example, at least one automatic piloting mode and generally to modify control orders output from the processing unit accordingly.

[0042] Furthermore, the control member may advantageously comprise one or more of the monostable switches described individually below for greater clarity.

[0043] According to a first example, the selection control instruction generated by the at least one monostable switch can make it possible to select a first automatic piloting mode called “approach mode”, the approach mode being implemented by the processing unit by generating control orders to automatically pilot the aircraft according to a predetermined descent trajectory towards a landing zone.

[0044] Furthermore, in such an approach mode, the processing unit can also generate control orders varying according to other parameters such as, for example, the speed of movement of the aircraft.

[0045] Thus, when the movement speed is lower than a predetermined speed threshold, this approach mode can allow the pilot to pre-position by default, independently of the position of the multidirectional or bidirectional control buttons, a reference or a movement speed target according to the direction vertical of the Earth's reference frame. Such a speed target could be, for example, 500 feet per minute (ft / min) or 152.4 meters per minute (m / min).

[0046] Alternatively, when the movement speed is greater than this predetermined speed threshold, the approach mode may allow the pilot to pre-position by default, for example, a reference or a slope objective of the aircraft. Such a slope objective may be, for example, equal to -4 degrees.

[0047] Advantageously, the first bidirectional control button and the second bidirectional control button can form a multidirectional control button, the at least one monostable switch can be formed by the multidirectional control button, the selection control instruction being generated when the pilot exerts a pressure force on the multidirectional control button.

[0048] In other words, the multidirectional control button is multifunctional, allowing a pilot to pilot the aircraft along the yaw movement control axis, along the lift control axis and to control the selection of the approach mode when he wishes to carry out a landing phase.

[0049] According to a second example, the selection control instruction generated by the at least one monostable switch can make it possible to select an automatic piloting mode called “stationary mode”, the stationary mode being implemented by the processing unit by generating control orders to automatically command a reduction in the movement speed of the aircraft.

[0050] Furthermore, in such a stationary mode, the processing unit can also generate control orders varying according to other parameters such as, for example, the speed of movement of the aircraft.

[0051] Thus, when the movement speed is lower than a predetermined speed threshold, the stationary mode can allow the pilot to select a zero movement speed of the aircraft relative to the ground.

[0052] Alternatively, when the movement speed is greater than this predetermined speed threshold, the hovering mode may allow the pilot to reduce the movement speed of the aircraft to another predetermined speed threshold which may be, for example, an optimal climb speed for the aircraft.

[0053] According to a third example, the selection control instruction generated by the at least one monostable switch can make it possible to select an automatic piloting mode called “level mode”, the level mode being implemented by the processing unit by generating control orders to automatically command a cancellation of a speed of movement of the aircraft in a vertical direction.

[0054] In such a step mode, the processing unit can also generate control orders varying according to other parameters such as for example the speed of movement of the aircraft.

[0055] Thus, when the movement speed is lower than a predetermined speed threshold, the level mode can allow the pilot to require a zero vertical movement speed of the aircraft relative to the ground.

[0056] Alternatively, when the travel speed is greater than this predetermined speed threshold, the level mode may allow the pilot to require a zero slope for the current travel path of the aircraft.

[0057] According to a fourth example, the selection control instruction generated by the at least one monostable switch can make it possible to select an automatic piloting mode called “go-around mode”, the go-around mode being implemented by the processing unit by generating control orders to automatically command an interruption of a landing phase of the aircraft.

[0058] In such a go-around mode, the processing unit can generate control commands to automatically command an avoidance maneuver and avoid, for example, a collision with an obstacle or during a missed approach. The aircraft can then automatically regain altitude.

[0059] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the control system may comprise an automatic piloting device, the selection control instruction generated by the at least one monostable switch may make it possible to select a “takeover mode”, the takeover mode being implemented by the processing unit on the one hand by deactivating the automatic piloting device initially activated to pilot the aircraft, and on the other hand by activating the control member to exclusively pilot the aircraft according to the four control axes.

[0060] Thus, such a takeover mode can be selected by the pilot of the aircraft in an emergency when, for example, the automatic piloting device is faulty or when an obstacle or another aircraft is present in the current trajectory of the aircraft. Once the takeover mode has been selected by the pilot, the automatic piloting device is no longer able to pilot the aircraft unless the pilot requests it again later.

[0061] According to another particular embodiment of the invention, the control system comprising a set of several other control members, the selection control instruction generated by the at least one monostable switch can make it possible to select a “takeover mode”, the takeover mode being implemented by the processing unit on the one hand by deactivating the set of several other control members initially activated to pilot the aircraft, and on the other hand by activating the control member to exclusively pilot the aircraft according to the four control axes.

[0062] Furthermore, such a takeover mode can be selected by the co-pilot of the aircraft in an emergency when, for example, the pilot becomes unwell or is no longer able to fly the aircraft. Once the co-pilot has selected the takeover mode, the pilot can no longer fly the aircraft.

[0063] Advantageously, the several other control members may comprise a stick intended to be actuated by a first hand of a pilot by generating pitch and roll control instructions to pilot the aircraft along the pitch control axis on the one hand and the roll control axis on the other hand, a lever intended to be actuated by a second hand of a pilot by generating lift control instructions to pilot the aircraft along the lift control axis and a rudder bar intended to be actuated by the feet of a pilot by generating yaw movement control instructions to pilot the aircraft along the yaw movement control axis, the takeover mode being selected by a co-pilot of the aircraft.

[0064] In other words, the control member according to the invention makes it possible to equip a simplified cockpit for the co-pilot and can be associated with a more conventional and more complete cockpit for the pilot.

[0065] When the takeover mode is not selected, the co-pilot can then perform functions of navigating the aircraft, monitoring flight parameters, consulting with the pilot or monitoring the external environment. The co-pilot is however relieved of the function of piloting the aircraft.

[0066] The present invention also relates to an aircraft which is remarkable in that it comprises an aforementioned control system.

[0067] The aircraft according to the invention is thus, for example, chosen from the group comprising fixed-wing aircraft such as airplanes, rotary-wing aircraft such as rotorcraft having one or more propulsion and / or lift rotors.

[0068] Advantageously, the second end of the handle can be secured to a support of the aircraft, the support being chosen from the group comprising dashboards, seats, armrests, doors and pylons.

[0069] In this case, the control member is therefore integral and immobile relative to a member of the cockpit of the aircraft such as a dashboard, a seat, an armrest, a door allowing the pilot to access the cockpit from outside the aircraft or even a pylon integral with the floor of the cockpit.

[0070] The invention and its advantages will appear in more detail in the context of the description which follows with examples given for illustrative purposes with reference to the appended figures which represent:

[0071] [fig. 1] [fig.l], a side view of a first example of an aircraft according to the invention,

[0072] [fig.2] [fig.2], a front view of a first variant embodiment of the invention,

[0073] [fig.3] [fig.3], a front view of a second variant embodiment of the invention, and

[0074] [fig.4] [fig.4], a perspective view of a second example of an aircraft conforming to the invention.

[0075] Elements present in several distinct figures are assigned a single reference.

[0076] As already mentioned, the invention therefore relates to the field of aircraft control systems.

[0077] As shown in [fig. 1], an aircraft 2 can be piloted by maneuvering in particular aerodynamic means 3. These aerodynamic means 3 can for example comprise rotor blades when the aircraft 2 has rotary wings such as a rotorcraft.

[0078] Such an aircraft 2 is furthermore piloted by means of a control system 1 comprising a control member 10 generating control instructions by means of electrical or optical signals transmitted to a processing unit 7.

[0079] The processing unit 7 is configured to generate control orders based on the control instructions received.

[0080] Such a control member 10 is thus mechanically uncoupled from control devices 4 configured to modify a position of the aerodynamic means 3.

[0081] These control devices 4 may comprise, for example, cylinders, motors or servocontrols. Such control devices 4 then allow at least one pilot to pilot the aircraft 2 along four control axes having a pitch control axis, a roll control axis, a yaw movement control axis and a lift control axis.

[0082] Such a control system 1 thus comprises a single control member 10 configured to allow a pilot to pilot the aircraft 2 along the four control axes.

[0083] As shown in [fig.2], this control member 10 comprises a multidirectional control interface 11 generating control instructions transmitted to the processing unit 7. The processing unit 7 then generates the control orders depending on the control instructions and thus allows the pilot to pilot the aircraft 2 along a first control axis and a second control axis. Such a first control axis may for example be the pitch control axis and the second control axis may be the roll control axis.

[0084] In addition, the multidirectional control interface 11 may include a ball, a ball, a slab or a touchpad, a directional cross, an analog stick or even a button in the shape of a Chinese hat.

[0085] Such a multidirectional control interface 11 can therefore be actuated by the palm of a hand or by one or more fingers of a hand of the pilot.

[0086] Furthermore, the control orders generated by the processing unit 7 may vary depending on other parameters such as, for example, the speed of movement of the aircraft 2.

[0087] Thus, when the movement speed is lower than a predetermined speed threshold, the multidirectional control interface 11 and the processing unit 7 can allow the pilot to modify, for example, a reference or a target speed of movement relative to the ground in a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. Alternatively, when the movement speed is higher than this predetermined speed threshold, the multidirectional control interface 11 and the processing unit 7 can allow the pilot to modify, for example, a reference or a target speed of movement of the aircraft 2 relative to the air.

[0088] The control member 10 also comprises a first bidirectional control button 12 operable for example towards a left side and a right side to pilot the aircraft 2 along a third control axis corresponding for example to the yaw movement control axis. The control member 10 also comprises a second bidirectional control button 13 operable for example towards an upper side and a lower side to pilot the aircraft 2 along a fourth control axis corresponding for example to the lift control axis.

[0089] As shown according to a first variant embodiment of the invention illustrated in [fig.2], the first bidirectional control button 12 and the second bidirectional control button 13 can be independent of each other and comprise a wheel, a directional cross, an analog stick or even a button in the shape of a Chinese hat.

[0090] However, according to a second variant as shown in [fig.3], the first bidirectional control button 22 and the second bidirectional control button 23 can advantageously be grouped together and form a multidirectional control button 24.

[0091] In this case, the multidirectional control button 24 may comprise, like a multidirectional control interface 11, 21, a ball, a slab or a touchpad, a directional cross, an analog stick or even a button in the shape of a Chinese hat.

[0092] Furthermore, the first bidirectional control button 12, 22 and the second bidirectional control button 13, 23 possibly allow, via the processing unit 7, the pilot to control the aircraft 2 differently depending on other parameters such as for example the speed of movement of the aircraft 2.

[0093] Thus, when the movement speed of the aircraft 2 is lower than a predetermined speed threshold, the second bidirectional control button 13, 23 can allow the pilot to modify, for example, a reference or a movement speed objective according to the vertical direction of the terrestrial reference frame.

[0094] Alternatively, when the speed of movement of the aircraft 2 is greater than this predetermined speed threshold, the second bidirectional control button 13, 23 and the processing unit 7 can allow the pilot to modify, for example, a reference or a slope objective of the current trajectory of the aircraft 2.

[0095] Furthermore, whatever the speed of movement of the aircraft 2, the first bidirectional control button 12, 22 and the processing unit 7 can allow the pilot to modify, for example, a heading reference or a yaw angular speed objective of the aircraft 2.

[0096] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 to 3, the control member 10, 20 comprises a handle 15, 25 configured to be grasped by a hand of a pilot or a co-pilot. In this case, the multidirectional control interface 11, 21, the first bidirectional control button 12, 22 and the second bidirectional control button 13, 23 are then arranged on a first end 16, 26 of the handle 15, 25. The multidirectional control interface 11, 21, the first bidirectional control button 12, 22 and the second bidirectional control button 13, 23 are then for example placed and configured to be actuated by the same finger of the hand of the pilot or co-pilot of the aircraft 2 holding the handle, for example the thumb.

[0097] Alternatively, the multidirectional control interface 11, 21, the first bidirectional control button 12, 22 and the second bidirectional control button 13, 23 may also be positioned and configured to be operated by two fingers of the hand of the pilot or co-pilot of the aircraft 2 holding the handle, for example the thumb and index finger.

[0098] Furthermore, such a handle 15, 25 also comprises a second end 17, 27 which is secured in a zero-degree-of-freedom embedding connection with a support 5 of the aircraft such as a dashboard, a seat, an armrest, a door or even a pylon secured to a floor of the cockpit of the aircraft 2.

[0099] Furthermore, whatever the variant embodiment of the invention, the control member 10, 20 may comprise one or more monostable switches 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 allowing a pilot or a co-pilot for example to activate different automatic piloting modes to facilitate the piloting of the aircraft 2.

[0100] These monostable switches 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 are furthermore each operable between a rest position and an activated position generating a selection control instruction.

[0101] Thus, such a monostable switch 50, 51 can make it possible to generate a selection control instruction for selecting a first automatic piloting mode called “approach mode”. This approach mode is implemented by the processing unit 7 by generating control orders for automatically piloting the aircraft 2 along a predetermined descent trajectory towards a landing zone.

[0102] Furthermore and with reference to [fig.3], when the first bidirectional control button 22 and the second bidirectional control button 23 form a multidirectional control button 24, the monostable switch 51 can then also be formed by the multidirectional control button 24. In this case, the monostable switch 51 can be actuated by the pilot or the copilot by exerting a pressure force in a direction XX' along which a rod of the multidirectional control button 24 extends.

[0103] Furthermore, the selection control instruction generated by the monostable switch 52 can make it possible to select an automatic piloting mode called “stationary mode”. Such a stationary mode is then implemented by the processing unit 7 by generating control orders to automatically command a reduction in the speed of movement of the aircraft 2, possibly down to a speed relative to the ground that is substantially zero.

[0104] Furthermore, the selection control instruction generated by the monostable switch 53 can make it possible to select an automatic piloting mode called “level mode”. Such a level mode is then implemented by the processing unit 7 by generating control orders to automatically command a cancellation of a movement speed of the aircraft 2 in a vertical direction.

[0105] In addition, the selection control instruction generated by the monostable switch 54 can make it possible to select an automatic piloting mode called “go-around mode”. Such a go-around mode is then implemented by the processing unit 7 by generating control commands to automatically command an interruption of a landing phase of the aircraft 2.

[0106] Furthermore, as shown in [fig.l], the control system 1 may also comprise an automatic piloting device 56 making it possible to pilot such an aircraft 2 without any particular action by a pilot to generate control instructions.

[0107] Therefore, if a monostable switch 55 is actuated by a pilot, it then generates a selection control instruction to select a “takeover mode”, this takeover mode being implemented by the processing unit 7 on the one hand by deactivating the automatic piloting device 56 initially activated to pilot the aircraft 2, and on the other hand by activating the control member 10 to exclusively pilot the aircraft 2 according to the four control axes.

[0108] As shown in [fig.4], a control system 61 can equip an aircraft 62 comprising a set 60 of several control members 63-65. In this case, the control member 30 may comprise another monostable switch 55 generating a selection control instruction allowing a co-pilot to select a “takeover mode”.

[0109] Such a takeover mode is then implemented by the processing unit 67 and thus allows a co-pilot of the aircraft 62 on the one hand to deactivate all of the several other control members 63-65 initially activated to pilot the aircraft 62, and on the other hand to activate the control member 30 to allow the co-pilot to exclusively pilot the aircraft 62 according to the four control axes.

[0110] In this case, the other control members 63-65 may include in particular a stick 63 intended to be actuated by a first hand of a pilot by generating pitch and roll control instructions for piloting the aircraft 62 along the pitch control axis and the roll control axis. The other control members may also include a lever 64 intended to be actuated by a second hand of the pilot by generating lift control instructions for piloting the aircraft 62 along the lift control axis and a rudder bar 65 intended to be actuated by the feet of the pilot by generating yaw movement control instructions for piloting the aircraft 62 along the yaw movement control axis.

[0111] Such a takeover mode can be activated by the co-pilot of the aircraft 62 in the event of an emergency if, for example, the pilot becomes unwell or is no longer able to pilot the aircraft 62. The takeover mode can also be associated with several automatic piloting laws of the aircraft 62 to, for example, automatically pilot a hovering flight, a slowdown in the forward speed, a cancellation of the vertical movement speed, a go-around, etc.

[0112] Furthermore and as shown in [fig.4], the aircraft 62 may comprise several rotors 3 arranged for example in a substantially coplanar manner next to each other. Different arms then make it possible to carry the rotors 3 and to arrange them laterally relative to a cockpit.

[0113] Of course, the control system 61 illustrated in [fig.4] can also equip the aircraft 2 illustrated in [fig.l] and conversely, the two variant embodiments of the control member 10, 20 illustrated in figures 2 to 3 are compatible with the control system 61.

[0114] Naturally, the present invention is subject to numerous variations as to its implementation. Although several embodiments have been described, it is understood that it is not conceivable to exhaustively identify all possible modes. It is of course conceivable to replace a means described by an equivalent means without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Claims Control system (1, 61) for an aircraft (2, 62), said control system (1, 61) being configured to allow a pilot of said aircraft (2, 62) to control aerodynamic means (3) of an aircraft (2, 62), said control system (1, 61) comprising a processing unit (7, 67) for generating control commands, said control commands being transmitted to control devices (4) for modifying a position of said aerodynamic means (3) and for piloting said aircraft (2, 62) along four control axes having a pitch control axis, a roll control axis, a yaw movement control axis and a lift control axis, said control system (1, 61) comprising a control member (10, 20, 30) generating control instructions, said control instructions being transmitted to said processing unit (7, 67) generating said control orders depending on said control instructions,said control member (10, 20, 30) being mechanically uncoupled from said control devices (4), characterized in that said control member (10, 20, 30) comprises at least:, - a multidirectional control interface (11, 21) generating control instructions for piloting said aircraft (2, 62) on the one hand along a first control axis and on the other hand along a second control axis distinct from said first control axis, said first control axis and said second control axis being chosen from said four control axes, - a first bidirectional control button (12, 22) generating control instructions for piloting said aircraft (2, 62) along a third control axis distinct from said first control axis and said second control axis, said third control axis being chosen from said four axes, - a second bidirectional control button (13, 23) generating control instructions for piloting said aircraft (2, 62) along a fourth control axis distinct from said first control axis, said second control axis and said third control axis, said fourth control axis being chosen from said four axes, and - a handle (15, 25) configured to be grasped by a hand of said pilot, said multidirectional control interface (11, 21), said first bidirectional control button (12, 22) and said second bidirectional control button (13, 23) being arranged on a first end (16, 26) of said handle (15, 25), said multidirectional control interface (11, 21), said first bidirectional control button (12, 22) and said second bidirectional control button (13, 23) being configured to be actuated by at least one finger of said hand of said pilot, said handle (15, 25) comprising a second end (17, 27) configured to be secured in a zero-degree-of-freedom embedding type connection with a support (5) of said aircraft (2, 62).

2. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that said first control axis is said pitch control axis, said second control axis is said roll control axis, said third control axis is said yaw control axis and said fourth control axis is said lift control axis.

3. System according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that said first bidirectional control button (22) and said second bidirectional control button (23) are grouped together and form a multidirectional control button (24).

4. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said control member (10, 20, 30) comprises at least one monostable switch (50-55) operable between a rest position and an activated position generating a selection control instruction.

5. System according to claim 4, characterized in that said selection control instruction generated by said at least one monostable switch (50, 51) makes it possible to select an automatic piloting mode called “approach mode”, said approach mode being implemented by said processing unit (7, 67) by generating control commands to automatically pilot said aircraft (2, 62) along a predetermined descent trajectory towards a landing zone.

6. System according to claim 5, characterized in that, said first bidirectional control button (22) and said second bidirectional control button (23) can form a multidirectional control button (24), said at least one monostable switch (51) is formed by said multidirectional control button (24), said selection control instruction being generated when said pilot exerts a pressure force on said multidirectional control button (24).

7. System according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that said selection control instruction generated by said at least one monostable switch (52) makes it possible to select an automatic piloting mode called “stationary mode”, said stationary mode being implemented by said processing unit (7, 67) by generating control orders to automatically control a reduction in the speed of movement of said aircraft (2, 62).

8. System according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that said selection control instruction generated by said monostable switch (53) makes it possible to select an automatic piloting mode called “level mode”, said level mode being implemented by said processing unit (7, 67) by generating control orders to automatically control a cancellation of a speed of movement of said aircraft (2, 62) in a vertical direction.

9. System according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that said selection control instruction generated by said at least one monostable switch (54) makes it possible to select an automatic piloting mode called “go-around mode”, said go-around mode being implemented by said processing unit (7, 67) by generating control orders to automatically command an interruption of a landing phase of said aircraft (2, 62).

10. System according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that, said control system (1) comprising an automatic piloting device (56), said selection control instruction generated by said at least one monostable switch (55) allows a “takeover mode” to be selected, said takeover mode being implemented by said processing unit (7) on the one hand by deactivating said automatic piloting device (56) initially activated to pilot said aircraft (2), and on the other hand by activating said control member (10) to exclusively pilot said aircraft (2) along said four control axes.

11. System according to any one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that, said control system (61) comprising a set (60) of several other control members (63, 64, 65), said selection control instruction generated by said at least one monostable switch (55) makes it possible to select a “takeover mode”, said takeover mode being implemented by said processing unit (67) on the one hand by deactivating said set (60) of several other control members (63-65) initially activated to pilot said aircraft (62), and on the other hand by activating said control member (30) to exclusively pilot said aircraft (62) according to said four control axes.

12. System according to claim 11, characterized in that said several other control members comprise a stick (63) intended to be actuated by a first hand of a pilot by generating pitch and roll control instructions for piloting said aircraft (62) along on the one hand said pitch control axis and on the other hand said roll control axis, a lever (64) intended to be actuated by a second hand of a pilot by generating lift control instructions for piloting said aircraft (62) along said lift control axis and a rudder bar (65) intended to be actuated by the feet of a pilot by generating yaw movement control instructions for piloting said aircraft (62) along said yaw movement control axis, said takeover mode being selected by a co-pilot of said aircraft (62).

13. Aircraft (2, 62) characterized in that said aircraft (2, 62) comprises a control system (1, 61) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. Aircraft (2, 62) according to claim 13, characterized in that said second end (17, 27) of said handle (16, 26) is secured to a support (5) of said aircraft (2, 62), said support (5) being chosen from the group comprising boards of edge, seats, armrests, doors and pylons.

Images