Vehicle cabin air management system

Abstract

An air management device for regulating the air pressure and airflow entering the passenger compartment (2) of a vehicle (1), comprising: a flow control unit (6) configured to receive a flow setpoint and an actual value of airflow entering the passenger compartment (2), and to issue a control setpoint to at least one motor-fan (7) so as to modulate the speed of said at least one motor-fan (7) and to regulate the airflow entering the passenger compartment (2); a passenger compartment pressure control unit (5) configured to receive a pressure setpoint and an actual value of pressure in the passenger compartment (2), and to issue a control setpoint to a leakage section of at least one mechanical pressure regulating means (4) so ​​as to control said leakage section and to regulate the pressure in the passenger compartment (2). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Device for managing air in a vehicle passenger compartment. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The technical field of the present invention relates to devices for managing the air in a vehicle passenger compartment. The invention relates more particularly to a device for regulating the air pressure and the air flow entering the passenger compartment of a vehicle and the associated method. The invention is particularly suitable for vehicles intended to operate in conditions of degraded air quality such as military vehicles, construction site vehicles or decontamination vehicles. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] For all types of vehicles and particularly for military vehicles, the regulation of the air pressure and the air flow entering the passenger compartment is essential to guarantee the safety of the occupants.

[0003] Military vehicles, used in the context of their missions, are generally protected by so-called collective protection systems known as NRBC (for nuclear, radiological, biological and chemical) whose objective is to provide breathable air to the occupants and this in degraded conditions of outside air quality.

[0004] In such vehicles, an air filter is generally associated with a fan which receives instructions for the incoming air flow and air pressure and which makes it possible to inject filtered air into the passenger compartment to renew and pressurize the air in the passenger compartment. The positive pressure, or overpressure, thus created prevents in practice any penetration of contaminating agents into the passenger compartment during openings, access to the vehicle by personnel or in the event of a leak from the passenger compartment, which makes it possible to compensate, to a certain extent, for the evolving leaks from the seals of the openings and the various leak sections naturally present on the vehicles.

[0005] Thus, the regulation systems responsible for implementing these collective NRBC protections generally comprise only mechanical means of pressure regulation such as flaps or valves allowing limited control of the air pressure in the passenger compartment. Such means make it possible to modulate the overpressure in the passenger compartment by opening when the maximum threshold value of pressure in the passenger compartment, measured for example by means of a pressure indicator, is reached. The opening of such regulation means then makes it possible to reduce the pressure in the passenger compartment.

[0006] These systems generally do not regulate the air pressure in the passenger compartment very well. and are at the technical operating limit when the air pressure in the passenger compartment to be reached is low, for example a few hundred Pascals. The forces created by the air pressure in the passenger compartment for their operation are generally small. This is due in particular to the fairly small leakage sections of the mechanical valve, which can generate operating hazards such as seizures, oscillations, insufficiently precise pressure clipping, etc. We are therefore at the technological operating limit.

[0007] Furthermore, these systems exercise passive control of the air pressure in the passenger compartment in the sense that the increase and decrease of the leakage section of the mechanical pressure regulating means are solely dependent on the air pressure in the passenger compartment.

[0008] The air pressure in the passenger compartment is directly dependent on the vehicle's leakage sections. The latter varies from one vehicle to another and changes over time on the same vehicle, in particular due to wear of the seals and faulty closure.

[0009] Furthermore, if the air pressure is too high, the occupants are then in a zone of discomfort because the air pressure is too high compared to the actual need. Conversely, if the air pressure is too low, there is a risk of gas and / or particles from outside entering the passenger compartment.

[0010] If the air pressure is correct but the incoming air flow is too low, there is a danger for the occupants due to the increase in the CO2 level due to the lack of air renewal in the passenger compartment. If the air pressure is correct but the incoming air flow is too high, there is a risk of poor gas filtering due to the air filter exceeding its filtration capacity.

[0011] It is therefore necessary to reach a target zone for which the air pressure in the passenger compartment is located between a minimum value and a maximum value and for which the incoming air flow rate is located between a minimum value and a maximum value.

[0012] The theoretical value of air pressure in the passenger compartment to be achieved is, in particular, a function of the speed of the vehicle or the speed of the outside wind. The higher the speed of the vehicle, the higher the air pressure must be. The higher the outside wind, the higher the air pressure must be.

[0013] The value of the incoming air flow to be injected is a function of the number of occupants and their activity but also of the intrinsic characteristics of the filter(s).

[0014] Today, the management of the incoming air flow is generally entrusted to a so-called open loop system which sends a speed instruction to an air injector fan. The management of the air pressure in the passenger compartment is carried out by a mechanical pressure relief valve (valve) which opens when the overpressure target is reached.

[0015] The incoming air flow rate and the resulting air pressure are then highly dependent vehicle condition conditions such as different leak sections and air filter clogging.

[0016] This open-loop management of air pressure and incoming air flow does not allow dynamic, fine and precise management of air flow and pressure. Existing systems are therefore not very secure and can lead to underflows, underpressures of air, or overflows that are difficult to identify.

[0017] Existing systems also do not allow for a reliable response to the decrease in incoming air flow and air pressure as the filter becomes clogged. Thus, between the start of a mission and the end of a mission, the air pressure and incoming air flow are significantly reduced if a lot of dust ends up on the filter.

[0018] The objective of the present invention is to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide a device for dynamic and precise management of the air in the passenger compartment of a vehicle via precise, coordinated but independent automated regulation of the air pressure and the incoming air flow so as to improve comfort and safety on board. Statement of the invention

[0019] Air management device capable of regulating the air pressure and the air flow entering the passenger compartment of a vehicle, said device comprising: - an incoming air flow control unit (6) configured to, on the one hand, receive an incoming air flow setpoint and an actual value of the air flow entering the passenger compartment and, on the other hand, emit a control setpoint for at least one motor-fan so as to modulate the speed of said at least one motor-fan and to regulate the air flow entering the passenger compartment; and - a unit for controlling the air pressure in the passenger compartment configured to, on the one hand, receive an air pressure setpoint and an actual air pressure value in the passenger compartment and, on the other hand, emit a control setpoint for a leakage section of at least one mechanical pressure regulation means so as to control said leakage section and regulate the air pressure in the passenger compartment.

[0020] Thus, the device according to the invention allows fine and simultaneous regulation of the air pressure and the air flow entering the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The independent control of the air pressure on the one hand and the air flow entering the passenger compartment on the other hand also makes it possible to control the variation curve of the air pressure in the passenger compartment and thus to avoid the inconveniences and physiological consequences linked to sudden variations in air pressure.

[0021] The incoming air flow rate is controlled by the at least one motor-driven fan, itself controlled by the incoming air flow control unit as a function of an incoming air flow rate setpoint and an actual value of the air flow rate entering the passenger compartment. This makes it possible to continuously and automatically adjust the speed of the at least one motor-driven fan so that the actual air flow rate entering the passenger compartment is equal or substantially equal to the incoming air flow rate setpoint; or at least within a determined range of values ​​if the incoming air flow rate setpoint is represented by a lower limit and an upper limit.

[0022] The air pressure in the passenger compartment is actively controlled by the leakage section of the at least one mechanical pressure regulating means, itself controlled by the unit for controlling the section of the at least one mechanical air pressure regulating means as a function of an air pressure setpoint and the actual air pressure value in the passenger compartment. This makes it possible to continuously and automatically adjust the leakage section of the mechanical air pressure regulating means so that the actual air pressure in the passenger compartment is equal or substantially equal to the air pressure setpoint; or at least within a range of values ​​if the air pressure setpoint is represented by a lower limit and an upper limit. In the same way, the adjustment of the leakage section makes it possible to maintain a constant air pressure in the passenger compartment.

[0023] It is clear that the device according to the invention allows active control of the leakage section of the at least one mechanical pressure regulating means. The control is no longer dependent solely on the actual air pressure in the passenger compartment but also on an air pressure setpoint in the passenger compartment.

[0024] Furthermore, the overall leakage section of the vehicle comprising the leakage section of the at least one mechanical air pressure regulation means and the leakage sections intrinsic to the vehicle is precisely controlled by this regulation of the leakage section of the at least one mechanical air pressure regulation means. The device also makes it possible to automatically and in real time compensate for drifts and alterations which may occur during use of the vehicle, for example in connection with wear of the vehicle.

[0025] These simultaneous feedback control systems make it possible to limit sudden variations in the incoming air flow rate and air pressure in the passenger compartment and therefore to maintain substantially constant the air pressure and the air flow rate entering the passenger compartment. The rises and falls in air pressure in the passenger compartment are in fact easily controlled by controlling both the incoming air flow rate, the air pressure and the leakage section controlled by the mechanical air pressure regulation means. This makes it possible to avoid sudden variations in air pressure and the associated hearing problems.

[0026] The variations in the leak sections intrinsic to the vehicle and generated for example by the alteration of the seals of the doors and / or hatches of the vehicle are thus also perfectly controlled.

[0027] Thus, the association of the two servo-control systems with in particular the active control of the leakage section of the at least one mechanical means of regulating air pressure allows optimal operation of the device which is less dependent on the configuration of the vehicle than the devices of the state of the art and allows better consideration of the drifts of the vehicle such as the sealing and the intrinsic leakage sections.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a calculation unit capable of determining and transmitting the incoming air flow rate setpoint and the air pressure setpoint.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a unit for controlling the leakage section of the at least one mechanical pressure regulation means capable, on the one hand, of receiving said leakage section control setpoint and an actual leakage section value and, on the other hand, of emitting a corrected leakage section control setpoint.

[0030] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a unit for controlling the speed of the at least one motor-fan capable, on the one hand, of receiving said control instruction for the at least one motor-fan and an actual value of the speed of the at least one motor-fan and, on the other hand, of emitting a corrected control instruction for the speed of the at least one motor-fan.

[0031] According to another embodiment of the invention, the device comprises at least one filtration system capable of filtering dust and / or gases and located upstream of said at least one motor-fan in the direction of air flow from the at least one motor-fan towards the passenger compartment.

[0032] Advantageously, the at least one mechanical pressure regulating means is a valve, a relief valve, a butterfly valve or a mechatronic valve.

[0033] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a flow meter capable of providing said actual flow value.

[0034] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a pressure sensor capable of providing said actual air pressure value in the passenger compartment.

[0035] The invention also relates to a method for managing air in the passenger compartment of a vehicle comprising the following steps: - actively controlling the flow of air entering the passenger compartment, and - actively controlling the air pressure in the passenger compartment,

[0036] these steps being independent so that said method allows management air dynamics in the vehicle cabin.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the control of the flow of air entering the passenger compartment comprises the following sub-steps: - determine a setpoint for the air flow entering the passenger compartment, and - control at least one motor-fan as a function of said incoming air flow setpoint and an actual value of the air flow entering the passenger compartment so as to modulate the speed of the at least one motor-fan and to regulate the air flow entering the passenger compartment; and

[0038] the control of the air pressure in the passenger compartment comprises the following sub-steps: • determine an air pressure setpoint in the passenger compartment, and • control the leakage section of at least one mechanical means of regulation of pressure as a function of said air pressure setpoint and an actual air pressure value in the passenger compartment so as to control said leakage section and regulate the air pressure in the passenger compartment.

[0039] Advantageously, the incoming air flow rate setpoint is determined as a function of the number of passengers and / or a maximum filtration limit of at least one filtration system filtering the air entering the passenger compartment and / or a predetermined incoming air flow rate setpoint.

[0040] Advantageously, the air pressure setpoint is determined as a function of the speed of the vehicle and / or the wind speed outside the vehicle and / or a predetermined air pressure setpoint.

[0041] The invention also relates to a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the latter to implement the method as described above.

[0042] The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with a device as described above.

[0043] An advantage of the present invention lies in the improvement of the safety of passengers present in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0044] Another advantage of the present invention lies in the improvement of the comfort of the passengers present in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0045] Yet another advantage of the present invention lies in the limitation of vehicle noise in the passenger compartment.

[0046] Yet another advantage of the present invention lies in the limitation of thermal heating of the vehicle.

[0047] Yet another advantage of the present invention lies in the improvement of the autonomy of the vehicle by making it possible to reduce its energy consumption.

[0048] Yet another advantage of the present invention lies in the improvement of the discretion of the vehicle.

[0049] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it makes it possible to avoid sudden rises and falls in air pressure in the passenger compartment.

[0050] Yet another advantage of the present invention lies in the adaptability of the device to any type of vehicle. Indeed, the device according to the invention makes possible a parameterization which allows its adaptation to the configuration of all types of vehicles and this without requiring an increase in the admissible air pressure ranges in the passenger compartment or the installation of a specific diaphragm. The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for NBC (Nuclear, Bacteriological or Biological, Chemical) or NRBC vehicles. Brief description of the drawings

[0051] Other characteristics, advantages and details of the invention will be better understood on reading the additional description which follows in relation to the drawings in which:

[0052] [Fig.l] represents a schematic view of a vehicle equipped with a device according to an embodiment of the invention, and

[0053] [Fig.2] represents a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the device according to the invention for implementing the different steps of the method of the invention.

[0054] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0055] As mentioned above, the invention relates to a device for managing air in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for regulating, independently, simultaneously or sequentially, the air pressure as well as the air flow entering the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0056] In the context of the present invention, the term "passenger compartment" of a vehicle is understood to mean the interior space delimited by the walls of the vehicle and in which the passengers are located. Such a passenger compartment has intrinsic leakage sections represented for example by door and / or hatch seals allowing for example access to the passenger compartment and more generally the openings of the vehicle.

[0057] Thus, leak sections according to the present invention are areas through which the air present in the passenger compartment is likely to escape. Also, any gases and dust present outside the vehicle are likely to enter the passenger compartment through these leak sections.

[0058] In the context of the present invention, the term “mechanical pressure regulating means” means any means comprising a leakage section that can be controlled automatically or manually and arranged to prohibit or authorize the flow of a fluid through the mechanical pressure regulating means. Such a means makes it possible to increase, decrease or maintain constant the leakage section of the mechanical pressure regulating means. pressure in order to regulate the pressure in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. Thus, an increase in the leakage section allows the pressure to be reduced, a decrease in the leakage section allows the pressure to be increased and a constant maintenance of the leakage section allows a constant pressure to be maintained. Such a means is for example represented by a flap, a mechatronic flap, a valve or a butterfly valve. Such a means may have a leakage section greater than 1500, greater than or equal to 2000, 3000, 4000 or even greater than or equal to 5000 mm2.

[0059] The device according to the invention makes it possible to apply an overpressure in the passenger compartment so as to prevent any entry of gas and / or dust into the passenger compartment. Overpressure is defined as an air pressure in the passenger compartment greater than the air pressure outside the vehicle.

[0060] In the context of the present invention, the term “substantially equal” means that an actual value has a deviation of less than or equal to 3% compared to the setpoint.

[0061] [Fig.l] represents a schematic view of a vehicle 1 equipped with a device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0062] The device comprises means for regulating the flow of air entering the passenger compartment 2 of the vehicle 1. These means comprise a unit for controlling the flow of air entering 6, at least one motor-driven fan 7, a flow meter 8 and, possibly, at least one filtration system 9.

[0063] The incoming air flow control unit 6 is arranged to receive an incoming air flow setpoint originating for example from a calculation unit 11 as well as an actual incoming air flow value originating for example from the flow meter 8. The incoming air flow control unit 6 is capable of issuing a control setpoint for the at least one motor-driven fan 7 as a function of the incoming air flow setpoint and the actual incoming air flow value.

[0064] A summator possibly integrated into the incoming air flow control unit 6 makes it possible, for example, to receive the incoming air flow setpoint as well as the actual incoming air flow value and to restore the control setpoint of the at least one motor-fan 7.

[0065] The incoming air flow control instruction 6 then makes it possible to modulate the speed of the at least one motor-fan 7 so as to regulate the air flow entering the passenger compartment 2.

[0066] For example, if the actual value of the incoming air flow rate is lower than the incoming air flow rate setpoint, the incoming air flow control unit 6 issues a control setpoint for the at least one motor-fan 7 to increase the speed of the at least one motor-fan 7 and thus increase the air flow rate entering the passenger compartment 2.

[0067] Conversely, if the actual value of the incoming air flow rate is greater than the incoming air flow rate setpoint, the incoming air flow control unit 6 issues a setpoint of controlling the at least one motor-fan 7 to reduce the speed of the at least one motor-fan 7 and thus reduce the incoming air flow.

[0068] In the same way, if the actual value of the incoming air flow rate is equal or substantially equal to the incoming air flow rate setpoint, the incoming air flow rate control unit 6 issues a control setpoint for the at least one motor-fan 7 to maintain the speed of the at least one motor-fan 7 and thus maintain the incoming air flow rate as is.

[0069] The incoming air flow setpoint is determined beforehand and is in particular a function of the number of passengers in the passenger compartment 2. It can be transmitted in the form of an incoming air flow zone having a lower limit and an upper limit.

[0070] The lower limit corresponds, for example, to the minimum incoming air flow rate necessary for good renewal of the air in the passenger compartment 2 so as to avoid any increase in the CO2 level. Thus, the higher the number of passengers in the passenger compartment 2, the higher the minimum incoming air flow rate. For example, it is considered that an incoming air flow rate of 17 m3 / hour per occupant is a minimum to be respected to ensure good renewal of the air in the passenger compartment 2. Preferably, the incoming air flow rate in the passenger compartment 2 is greater than 60 m3 / hour.

[0071] The upper limit corresponds for example to the maximum incoming air flow beyond which the comfort and / or safety of the passengers present in the passenger compartment 2 is compromised.

[0072] For example, the upper limit of the incoming air flow rate is equal to 17 m3 / hour multiplied by the number of occupants of the passenger compartment 2 of the vehicle 1. Thus, for ten occupants in the passenger compartment 2, the upper limit of the incoming air flow rate is equal to 170 m3 / hour.

[0073] The incoming air flow rate setpoint can also be defined manually, in particular in response to a particular usage requirement of the vehicle 1, such as, for example, purging the passenger compartment 2 following a door opening in the case of a civilian vehicle 1 (composting centers), the use of cigarettes or, in the case of a military vehicle 1, firing munitions (evacuation of firing gases) which would make significant ventilation of the passenger compartment 2 necessary. A passenger can then manually indicate to the incoming air flow control unit 6 a predetermined incoming air flow rate setpoint.

[0074] The device according to the invention may also comprise at least one filtration system 9 capable of filtering the gases and / or dust present in the outside air. Said at least one filtration system 9 also makes it possible to ensure that the air entering the passenger compartment 2 via the at least one motor-fan 7 is free from any element likely to harm the passengers present in the passenger compartment 2. The at least one filtration system 9 is for example located upstream of the at least one motor-fan 7 in the direction of air flow from the at least one motor-fan 7 towards the passenger compartment 2 shown in [Fig.l] by arrow 10.

[0075] In the embodiment according to which the air management device comprises at least one filtration system 9, the upper limit of the incoming air flow rate is also a function of the maximum filtration flow rate capacity of the at least one filtration system 9. Indeed, the filtration means, for example dust and / or gas filters, have a flow rate limit beyond which they no longer effectively fulfill their filtration function, which may be detrimental to the safety of the passengers present in the passenger compartment 2 because gases and / or dust from the external environment would end up in the passenger compartment 2. The device according to the invention is then configured so that the incoming air flow rate is consistent with the maximum air filtration flow rate capacity of the at least one filtration system 9.

[0076] Thus, when the device comprises at least one filtration system 9, the incoming air flow rate setpoint is between a lower limit defined as a function of the number of passengers and an upper limit defined as a function of the maximum filtration flow rate capacity of the at least one filtration system 9.

[0077] The at least one filtration system 9 may for example comprise a gas filter such as a carbon filter and / or a dust filter such as a paper filter. The at least one filtration system 9 is modular in the sense that the number and nature of the filters can be adapted according to the desired use of the vehicle 1.

[0078] Alternatively, the vehicle 1 may be equipped with several, for example two, filtration systems 9 each equipped with filters of a different nature. It is then possible to use only one or both filtration systems 9 depending on the needs of the vehicle 1. For example, if the outside air surrounding the vehicle 1 does not contain or is not likely to contain gases, only one filtration system 9 equipped with a dust filter will be used.

[0079] The flow meter 8 makes it possible to measure the flow of air entering the passenger compartment 2 continuously or at regular intervals. It is also arranged to emit a data item of actual value of the flow of incoming air intended in particular for the unit for controlling the flow of incoming air 6 but also for a possible calculation unit 11.

[0080] The at least one motor-fan 7 makes it possible to inject air from the external environment into the passenger compartment 2 of the vehicle 1. It also makes it possible to pressurize the passenger compartment 2 of the vehicle 1. It is intended and arranged to be controlled by the incoming air flow control unit 6 so that its speed is modulated automatically in response to the first control instruction. The at least one motor-fan 7 is for example a booster motor-fan.

[0081] According to an embodiment not shown in the figures, the device comprises several motor-fans 7, for example 2 or more, it is then possible to arrange the incoming air flow control unit 6 to simultaneously or independently control during the motor-fans 7.

[0082] According to a particular embodiment of the invention not shown in [Fig. 1], the device comprises a unit for controlling the speed of the at least one motor-fan 7. It is intended and arranged to, on the one hand, receive the control instruction of the at least one motor-fan 7 and an actual speed value of the at least one motor-fan 7 and, on the other hand, to emit a corrected control instruction of the speed of the at least one motor-fan 7. This makes it possible to add additional control over the speed of the at least one motor-fan 7 and thus to obtain more precise regulation of the incoming air flow. The device according to the invention is then even safer.

[0083] The device according to the embodiment of the invention shown in [Fig. 1] comprises means for regulating the air pressure in the passenger compartment 2 of the vehicle 1. These means comprise an air pressure control unit 5, a pressure sensor 3 and at least one mechanical pressure regulating means 4.

[0084] The air pressure control unit 5 is arranged to receive an air pressure setpoint originating for example from a calculation unit 11 as well as an actual air pressure value originating for example from the pressure sensor 3. The air pressure control unit 5 is capable of emitting a control setpoint for the leakage section of the at least one mechanical pressure regulating means 4 as a function of the air pressure setpoint and the actual air pressure value.

[0085] A summator possibly integrated in the air pressure control unit 5 makes it possible, for example, to receive the air pressure setpoint as well as the actual air pressure value and to restore the control setpoint of the leakage section of the at least one mechanical pressure regulation means 4.

[0086] The control instruction of the leakage section of the at least one mechanical pressure regulation means 4 makes it possible to control the leakage section of the at least one mechanical pressure regulation means 4 by increasing, decreasing or keeping the leakage section constant and thus regulating the air pressure in the passenger compartment 2.

[0087] For example, if the actual air pressure value is lower than the air pressure setpoint, the air pressure control unit 5 issues a control setpoint for the leakage section of the at least one mechanical pressure regulation means 4 so as to reduce the leakage section and thus increase the pressure in the passenger compartment 2.

[0088] Conversely, if the actual air pressure value is greater than the air pressure setpoint, the air pressure control unit 5 issues a control setpoint for the leakage section of the at least one mechanical control means. pressure regulation 4 so as to increase the leakage section and thus reduce the air pressure in the passenger compartment 2.

[0089] In the same way, if the actual air pressure value is equal or substantially equal to the air pressure setpoint, the air pressure control unit 5 issues a control setpoint for the leakage section of the at least one mechanical pressure regulation means 4 so as to keep the leakage section constant and thus keep the air pressure in the passenger compartment 2 constant.

[0090] It is furthermore the air pressure setpoint which allows active control of the leakage section of the at least one mechanical pressure regulation means 4.

[0091] The air pressure setpoint is determined in particular as a function of the difference in air pressure between the exterior of the vehicle 1 and the passenger compartment 2, the speed of the vehicle 1, and the wind speed outside the vehicle. It may consist of an interval of pressure values ​​having a lower limit and an upper limit.

[0092] The wind speed outside the vehicle 1 can be predetermined and / or continuously measured by means of a sensor.

[0093] The lower limit corresponds, for example, to the minimum pressure to be reached so that the passenger compartment 2 is at sufficient overpressure to protect the crew.

[0094] Preferably, for a civilian vehicle 1 or military vehicle 1 operating in wartime, the lower limit is greater than or equal to 200 Pa. For a military vehicle 1 operating in wartime or a civilian vehicle 1 operating in very degraded outside air conditions, the lower limit is greater than 1000 Pa.

[0095] The upper limit corresponds for example to the maximum pressure beyond which the comfort and / or safety and / or physiology of the passengers present in the passenger compartment 2 is compromised. Preferably, the upper limit is less than or equal to 180 Pa.

[0096] The air pressure setpoint can also be defined manually, in particular in response to a particular usage requirement of the vehicle 1. A passenger can then manually indicate a predetermined air pressure setpoint to the air pressure control unit.

[0097] The pressure sensor 8 makes it possible to measure the air pressure in the passenger compartment 2 continuously or at regular intervals. It is also arranged to emit a real air pressure value data item intended in particular for the air pressure servo unit but also for a possible calculation unit 11.

[0098] The at least one mechanical pressure regulating means 4 makes it possible to regulate the air pressure in the passenger compartment 2 by allowing or preventing the flow of air from the passenger compartment 2 to the outside of the vehicle 1. It is intended and arranged to be controlled by the air pressure servo-control unit 5 so that its leakage section is automatically controlled in response to the control instruction of the leakage section of the at least one mechanical pressure regulating means 4. control instruction for the leakage section of the at least one mechanical pressure regulation means 4 makes it possible to increase, decrease or keep said leakage section constant.

[0099] The at least one mechanical pressure regulating means 4 is for example an automobile butterfly valve making it possible to obtain a controlled and high-capacity leakage section. An interface part allows it to be adapted to the vehicle 1. The butterfly valve is particularly preferred because it has a leakage section that is significantly greater than a mechanical pressure regulating means 4 with a spring, for example.

[0100] For example, the leakage section of the at least one mechanical pressure regulating means 4 has a leakage section greater than 1500 mm2, greater than or equal to 2000 mm2, greater than or equal to 3000 mm2, greater than or equal to 4000 mm2 or even greater than or equal to 5000 mm2.

[0101] According to an embodiment not shown in the figures, the device comprises several mechanical pressure regulating means 4, for example 2 or more, it is then possible to arrange the air pressure control unit 5 to simultaneously or independently control each leakage section of the mechanical pressure regulating means 4.

[0102] The controllable leakage section allows for much more precise consideration of the dispersions of the vehicle 1, by presenting a self-adapting leakage section, in such a way that the overall leakage section of the vehicle 1 is constant. This guarantees improved coverage of the leakage drifts of the vehicle 1 such as openings, elastic natural leaks and beam passages.

[0103] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a unit for controlling the leakage section of the at least one mechanical pressure regulation means 4. It is intended and arranged to, on the one hand, receive the control instruction for the leakage section of the at least one mechanical pressure regulation means 4 and an actual value of the leakage section and, on the other hand, to emit a control instruction for the corrected leakage section of the at least one motor-driven fan 4. This makes it possible to add additional control over the leakage section and thus to obtain more precise air pressure regulation in the passenger compartment 2. The device according to the invention is all the more secure.

[0104] Thus the device according to the invention allows precise regulation of the air pressure in the passenger compartment 2 with a difference from the air pressure setpoint of only a few percent.

[0105] Communication between the different equipment of the device can be carried out by means of wireless communication or a communication bus 12 connecting together the means for controlling the incoming air flow rate 6, the means for controlling the air pressure 5, the means for controlling the leakage section of the at least one mechanical pressure regulation means 4, the means for controlling the speed of the at least one motor-fan 7, the flow meter 8, the at least one motor-fan 7, the pressure sensor 5, the at least one mechanical pressure regulation means 4 and the possible calculation unit 11.

[0106] The calculation unit 11 makes it possible to determine the air pressure setpoint and the incoming air flow rate setpoint. It also makes it possible to collect and integrate all the air pressure and incoming air flow rate data from the air management device and, possibly, to transcribe them onto a user interface 12. For example, the calculation unit 11 makes it possible to collect, integrate and possibly transcribe onto a user interface 12 the air pressure setpoint, the incoming air flow rate setpoint, the speed of the vehicle 1, the number of occupants of the vehicle 1, the actual incoming air flow rate in the passenger compartment 2, the actual air pressure in the passenger compartment 2, the actual speed of the at least one motor-driven fan 7, the actual value of the leakage section, the wind speed outside the vehicle 1 and / or the pressure outside the vehicle 1.

[0107] The device may thus comprise an alert system to alert the user in particular of possible errors or exceedances of air pressure and incoming air flow. These alerts may for example be transcribed on the user interface 12.

[0108] The user interface 12 makes it possible, for example, to configure predetermined incoming air flow and air pressure setpoints and to send them respectively to the incoming air flow control unit 6 and to the air pressure control unit 5. The user interface can also allow the user to have manual control of the incoming air flow and the air pressure in the passenger compartment 2 of the vehicle 1.

[0109] [Fig.2] illustrates the different steps of the method according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0110] The method allows the management of air in the passenger compartment 2 of a vehicle 1 and in particular the regulation of the flow of incoming air and the air pressure in the passenger compartment 2 of a vehicle 1.

[0111] Furthermore, the air management method according to the invention comprises independent steps so that it allows dynamic management of the air in the passenger compartment 2 of the vehicle 1.

[0112] The method comprises a step of controlling the flow of air entering the passenger compartment 2 and a step of actively controlling the air pressure in the passenger compartment 2.

[0113] Controlling the air pressure in the passenger compartment comprises determining an air pressure setpoint. This air pressure setpoint is, for example, determined automatically as a function of the speed of the vehicle 1 and / or the wind speed outside the vehicle 1. The air pressure setpoint may also be transmitted manually via a predetermined pressure setpoint.

[0114] The control of the incoming air flow rate comprises the determination of an incoming air flow rate setpoint. This incoming air flow rate setpoint is, for example, determined automatically as a function of the number of passengers and / or a maximum limit of the filtration rate of a possible filtration system 9. The incoming air flow rate setpoint can also be transmitted manually by means of a predetermined incoming air flow rate setpoint.

[0115] The air pressure and incoming air flow setpoints are, for example, determined by a calculation unit 11 as a function of the received air pressure and incoming air flow data. They are then transmitted respectively to the air pressure servo unit 5 and to the incoming air flow servo unit 6.

[0116] Another step of the method consists of controlling at least one motor-fan 7 as a function of the incoming air flow setpoint and the actual value of the air flow entering the passenger compartment 2. This makes it possible to modulate the speed of the at least one motor-fan 7 and to regulate the air flow entering the passenger compartment 2.

[0117] Optionally, the method also comprises an additional means for controlling the speed of the at least one motor-fan 7 as a function of the control setpoint of the at least one motor-fan 7 and of an actual speed value of the at least one motor-fan 7.

[0118] Another step of the method consists of controlling the leakage section of at least one mechanical pressure regulating means 4 as a function of the air pressure setpoint and the actual air pressure value in the passenger compartment 2. This makes it possible to control the leakage section and to regulate the air pressure in the passenger compartment 2.

[0119] Optionally, the method also comprises an additional means for controlling the leakage section as a function of the control setpoint of the leakage section of the at least one mechanical pressure regulation means 4 and of an actual value of the leakage section.

[0120] The device according to the invention allows automatic or manual adjustment of the air pressure and incoming air flow pair by carrying out simultaneous and active control of the air pressure and the air flow entering the passenger compartment 2 of the vehicle 1.

[0121] This makes it possible, for example, to achieve rapid increases in air pressure in the passenger compartment 2 by indicating a high incoming air flow rate setpoint and a high air pressure setpoint.

[0122] In the same way, it is possible to achieve rapid reductions in air pressure in the passenger compartment by indicating a low incoming air flow setpoint and a low air pressure setpoint.

[0123] Generally speaking, the device according to the invention makes it possible to regulate the air flow. entering while maintaining constant air pressure, and vice versa. This gives great flexibility to the device, thus being able to meet many usage needs of the vehicle in which it is incorporated.

[0124] It is thus possible to configure precise operating modes by playing on the simultaneous control of pressure and air flow.

[0125] For example, a blowing mode indicating a high incoming air flow rate setpoint and a low air pressure setpoint. The speed of the at least one motor-driven fan 7 will therefore be high, as will the leakage section of the at least one mechanical pressure regulating means 4. The air in the passenger compartment is therefore quickly renewed while avoiding a rise in air pressure in the passenger compartment 2. This operating mode can, for example, be used to evacuate any contaminants resulting from artillery fire by the vehicle equipped with the device according to the invention.

[0126] This may in particular be useful for evacuating any contaminants present in the passenger compartment 2 resulting for example from artillery fire carried out by the vehicle 1.

[0127] According to one embodiment of the invention, a single control unit can be provided allowing independent control of the incoming air flow and the air pressure in the passenger compartment 2.

Claims

Claims

1. Air management device capable of regulating the air pressure and the air flow entering the passenger compartment (2) of a vehicle (1), said device comprising: - an incoming air flow control unit (6) configured to, on the one hand, receive an incoming air flow setpoint and an actual value of the air flow entering the passenger compartment (2) and, on the other hand, emit a control setpoint for at least one motor-fan (7) so as to modulate the speed of said at least one motor-fan (7) and to regulate the air flow entering the passenger compartment (2);and - an air pressure control unit (5) in the passenger compartment (2) configured to, on the one hand, receive an air pressure setpoint and an actual air pressure value in the passenger compartment (2) and, on the other hand, emit a control setpoint for a leak section of at least one mechanical pressure regulation means (4) so as to control said leak section and regulate the air pressure in the passenger compartment (2), said control units (5, 6) being arranged to independently control respectively on the one hand the incoming air flow rate and on the other hand the air pressure in the passenger compartment (2).;

2. Air management device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a calculation unit (11) capable of determining and transmitting the incoming air flow rate setpoint and the air pressure setpoint.

3. Air management device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a unit for controlling the leakage section of the at least one mechanical pressure regulating means (4) capable, on the one hand, of receiving said leakage section control setpoint and an actual leakage section value and, on the other hand, of emitting a corrected leakage section control setpoint.

4. Air management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a unit for controlling the speed of the at least one motor-fan (7) capable, on the one hand, of receiving said control instruction from the at least one motor-fan (7) and, on the other hand, of receiving said control instruction from the at least one motor-fan (7). at least one motor fan (7) and an actual value of the speed of the at least one motor fan (7) and, on the other hand, to emit a speed control instruction of the at least one corrected motor fan (7).

5. Air management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one filtration system (9) capable of filtering dust and / or gases and located upstream of said at least one motor-fan (7) in the direction of air flow from the at least one motor-fan (7) towards the passenger compartment (2).

6. Air management device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one mechanical pressure regulating means (4) is a flap, a valve, a butterfly valve or a mechatronic flap.

7. Method for dynamically managing the air in the passenger compartment (2) of a vehicle (1) comprising two steps: - actively controlling the flow of air entering the passenger compartment (2), and - actively controlling the air pressure in the passenger compartment (2), these steps being implemented independently of each other.

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the control of the flow of air entering the passenger compartment (2) comprises the following sub-steps: - determining a setpoint for the flow of air entering the passenger compartment (2), and - controlling at least one motor-driven fan (7) as a function of said setpoint for the flow of air entering the passenger compartment (2) and an actual value for the flow of air entering the passenger compartment (2) so as to modulate the speed of the at least one motor-driven fan (7) and to regulate the flow of air entering the passenger compartment (2); and in that the control of the air pressure in the passenger compartment (2) comprises the following sub-steps: • determining a setpoint for the pressure of air in the passenger compartment (2), and • controlling the leakage section of at least one mechanical means of pressure regulation (4) as a function of said air pressure setpoint and an actual air pressure value in the passenger compartment (2) so as to control said leakage section and to regulate the air pressure in the passenger compartment (2).

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the incoming air flow rate setpoint is determined as a function of the number of passengers and / or a maximum filtration limit of at least one filtration system (9) filtering the air entering the passenger compartment (2) and / or a predetermined incoming air flow rate setpoint.

10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the air pressure setpoint is determined as a function of the speed of the vehicle (1) and / or the wind speed outside the vehicle (1) and / or a predetermined air pressure setpoint.

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