Parachute ejector arming tool and associated arming method

Abstract

This tool (1) for arming a parachute ejector (2), comprising a compression spring (3), a lower base support plate (4) for the spring (3), an upper head support plate (5) for the spring (3), and a net enveloping the spring (3) and attached to the two plates (4, 5), includes: - means for compressing the spring (3) comprising a lower stop (7) and an upper stop (8) for applying a force against the plates (4, 5), at least one of the stops (7, 8) being movable about a longitudinal axis (X) of the spring (3), and - control means (9) configured to modify a relative distance between the stops (7, 8) so as to compress or decompress the spring (3) according to an operator's command, and configured to maintain the relative distance between the stops (7, 8) in the absence of a command. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Parachute ejector arming tool and associated arming method technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool for arming a parachute ejector and an associated arming method. Previous techniques

[0002] A parachute ejector is a parachute canopy extraction device comprising an ejection spring intended to initiate the extraction of a parachute canopy from its bag.

[0003] Conventionally, the spring is wound in the workshop by manual compression on a bench. For this purpose, an operator pulls on a mounting rod attached to one upper end of the spring and which passes through the center of the spring across the bench. The spring is then locked in the compressed state by means of a retaining mechanism, and the mounting rod is removed.

[0004] This cocking method is not ergonomic and does not allow for high production rates. Furthermore, the operator may accidentally release the mounting rod when the spring is not locked, thus creating a safety hazard. Description of the invention

[0005] In view of the foregoing, the invention aims to provide a tool and an associated method for arming a parachute ejector, improving ergonomics and safety and enabling high production rates.

[0006] The invention relates to a tool for arming a parachute ejector comprising a compression spring, a lower base support plate for the spring, an upper head support plate for the spring, and a net enveloping the spring and fixed to the two plates.

[0007] The tool includes: - means for compressing the spring comprising a lower stop and an upper stop intended to apply a force against the plates, at least one of the stops being movable along a substantially vertical working direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the spring, and - control means for the spring compression means configured to modify a relative distance between the stops, so as to compress or decompress the spring according to an operator's command, and configured to maintain the relative distance between the stops in the absence of a command.

[0008] Compared to prior art manual bench compression processes, such a cocking tool improves both ergonomics and safety, while enabling high production rates.

[0009] Preferably, at least one stop comprises a stop arm against the ejector oriented in the direction of operation and a clearance volume arranged around the arm so as to allow the thread to be folded back into the clearance volume. Such a stop makes it possible to dislodge the thread during the progressive compression of the spring and to prevent the thread from becoming caught between the coils of the spring.

[0010] For example, the upper stop is fixed and the lower stop is movable.

[0011] Advantageously, the tool includes means for guiding in translation of at least one movable stop, the guidance in translation being carried out according to the direction of work.

[0012] Preferably, the control means are two-handed control means so as to require the operator to use both hands to execute a command. Such a configuration increases operational safety by ensuring that the tool is stopped when the operator folds the net into the clearance area.

[0013] According to one feature, the tool includes first indexing means disposed on a stop and intended to cooperate with associated second indexing means disposed on the ejector so as to allow the installation of the ejector in the tool only in a predetermined direction.

[0014] Advantageously, the tool includes a retaining rod intended to be mounted through an opening provided on each plate and positioned coaxially with the spring and the two plates. Such a retaining rod increases the safety of the operations.

[0015] According to another feature, the retaining rod is mounted to slide through the upper stop.

[0016] Advantageously, the tool includes a retaining rod presence detector that allows the tool to operate only when the presence of the retaining rod is detected. Such a presence detector further increases operational safety.

[0017] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method for cocking a parachute ejector comprising a compression spring, a lower base support plate for the spring, an upper spring head support plate, and a net enveloping the spring and attached to the two plates, operated by a cocking tool as defined above. The method comprises the steps of: - prior installation in the tool of the ejector and the retaining rod, - progressive compression of the ejector spring by controlling the spring compression means until the ejector is cocked. - folding the thread into the clearance space around the arm to prevent the thread from catching in the spring during progressive compression of the spring, - folding of the net when the ejector is in the armed position, - installation of releaseable locking means in the armed position the ejector, - displacement of the compression means towards a retraction position of the retaining rod and the ejector, and - Removal of the retaining rod and the ejector. Brief description of the drawings

[0018] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0019] [Fig-1] is a front view of a parachute ejector arming tool according to an example of an embodiment of the invention;

[0020] [Fig.2] is a side view of the tool in [Fig.1];

[0021] [Fig.3] is a detailed perspective view of an upper stop of the tool of the [Fig.l];

[0022] [Fig.4] is a partial top view of the tool in [Fig.1];

[0023] [Fig.5] is a front view of the upper stop of the [Fig.3];

[0024] [Fig.6] is a side view of the upper stop of the [Fig.3];

[0025] [Fig.7] is a detailed front view of a lower stop of the tool of [Fig.1];

[0026] [Fig.8] is a front view of the cocking tool of [Fig.1] with an ejector of parachute in a compressed state showing a folded net; and

[0027] [Fig.9] illustrates the net of [Fig.8] in folded position. Detailed description of at least one embodiment

[0028] Figures 1 and 2 show a tool 1 for arming a parachute ejector 2 according to an embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that identical elements bear the same reference numerals from one figure to another.

[0029] The parachute ejector 2 comprises a compression spring 3, a lower plate 4 for base support of the spring 3, an upper plate 5 for head support of the spring 3, and a thread F (visible in Figures 9 and 10) enveloping the spring 3 and fixed to the two plates 4, 5. The spring 3 may, for example, be a helical spring, the end coils of which are fixed respectively to the lower plate 4 and the other to the upper plate 5. The net F is, as is known, a mesh sheath that protects the spring 3 and prevents the ejector 2 from becoming lodged and caught in the parachute's suspension lines. The net F is, for example, fixed with cable ties to the lateral edges of the plates 4, 5.

[0030] In figures 1 and 2, the ejector 2 is shown in an unarmed position, in which the spring 3 is not compressed.

[0031] The tool 1 includes means for compressing the spring 3 6 comprising a lower stop 7 and an upper stop 8. The stops 7, 8 are intended to apply a force against the plates 4, 5, at least one of the stops 7, 8 being movable in a working direction D substantially vertical and parallel to a longitudinal axis X of the spring 3. For example, the generation of the force can be achieved in a known manner using pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders.

[0032] Advantageously, at least one stop 7, 8 comprises a stop arm 10 against the ejector 2 oriented along the working direction D and a clearance volume V disposed around the arm 10 so as to allow the thread F to fold back around the arm 10 ([Fig. 3]). Thus, as the spring is compressed, the operator can fold the thread back into the clearance volume V around the arm 10 ([Fig. 8]).

[0033] As particularly visible in [Fig. 4], the tool 1 includes control means 9 for compressing the spring 3, configured to modify the relative distance between the stops 7, 8, so as to compress or decompress the spring 3 according to an operator's command. Thus, the operator can control the tool 1 by varying the relative distance between the stops 7, 8 to arm the ejector 2.

[0034] The control means 9 are configured to maintain the relative distance between the stops 7, 8 in the absence of a control signal. Thus, the operator can safely ensure that the thread F is not blocked between the coils of the spring 3.

[0035] Preferably, the control means 9 are two-hand control means so as to require the operator to use both hands to execute a command. For example, the two-hand control means include two buttons 11 located more than 30 cm apart ([Fig. 4]). The control means 9 include a selector 9a allowing the operator to choose the direction of change of the relative distance between the stops 7, 8.

[0036] The tool 1 comprises a frame (not referenced) which supports the control means 9 and the compression means 6. Here, the frame is a metal structure. It is of course possible to provide a frame different from the one given as an example without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0037] As particularly visible in [Fig.1], the tool 1 includes means for guiding in translation 12 of at least one movable stop, the guidance in translation being carried out in the working direction D.

[0038] Here, the upper stop 8 is fixed and the lower stop 7 is movable. Alternatively, it is possible to provide that the lower stop is fixed and the upper stop is movable, or even that both stops are movable.

[0039] The translational guidance means 12 may, for example, include rails 13 on which a carriage 7a of the lower stop 7 is mounted. The rails 13 are oriented along the working direction D and cooperate with the carriage 7a to ensure its guidance.

[0040] As particularly visible in Figures 5 and 6, the tool 1 comprises first indexing means 14 arranged on a stop 7, 8 and intended to cooperate with associated second indexing means 15 arranged on the ejector 2 so as to allow the ejector 2 to be installed in the tool 1 only in a predetermined direction. For example, the first and second indexing means 14, 15 are respectively two fingers 16 and two pegs 17.

[0041] Referring again to figures 1 and 2, the tool 1 includes a retaining rod 18 intended to be positioned coaxially with the spring 3 and the two plates 4, 5. The retaining rod 18 is intended to be mounted through an opening 4a, 5a disposed on each plate 4, 5.

[0042] The retaining rod 18 is supported by a retaining member 19 of the lower plate 4, positioned at the center of the spring 3 ([Fig. 7]). Advantageously, the retaining member 19 is provided with a groove 19a for cooperating with releasable locking means for the ejector 2 in the cocked position. For example, the releasable locking means include a safety pin that is inserted through the groove 19a and through holes arranged on the lugs 17. It is of course possible to provide other locking means, such as levers and ratchets.

[0043] Preferably, the retaining rod 18 is mounted to slide through the upper stop 8.

[0044] The tool 1 includes a detector 20 for the presence of the retaining rod 18 which allows the tool to operate only when the presence of the retaining rod 18 is detected. Such a detector 20 can, for example, be located at the upper stop 8, as illustrated in [Fig. 3].

[0045] An example of an embodiment of a method for arming a parachute ejector 2 is detailed below. This method is implemented using the tool 1 described previously.

[0046] The process begins here with a preliminary step of installing the ejector 2 and the retaining rod 18 in the tool 1.

[0047] The process continues with a step of progressively compressing the spring 3 of the ejector 2 by controlling the compression means 6 of the spring 3 until an arming position of the ejector 2.

[0048] The method includes a step of folding the thread F into the clearance volume V around the arm 10 so as to avoid the thread F getting caught in the spring 3 during the progressive compression of the spring ([Fig.8]).

[0049] When the ejector 2 is in the arming position, the process continues with a step of folding the net F ([Fig.9]).

[0050] Next, a step is carried out involving the installation of releaseable locking means in the ejector 2 arming position.

[0051] The process continues with a step of moving the compression means 6 to a retraction position of the retaining rod 18 and the ejector 2.

[0052] The process ends with a step of withdrawing the retaining rod 18 and the ejector 2 carried out when the retaining rod 18 and the ejector 2 are in the withdrawn position.

Claims

Demands

1. A tool (1) for arming a parachute ejector (2) comprising a compression spring (3), a lower base support plate (4) for the spring (3), an upper head support plate (5) for the spring (3), and a net (F) encircling the spring (3) and attached to the two plates (4, 5), characterized in that the tool (1) comprises: - means for compressing the spring (3) comprising a lower stop (7) and an upper stop (8) for applying a force against the plates (4, 5), at least one of the stops (7, 8) being movable along a working direction (D) substantially vertical and parallel to a longitudinal axis (X) of the spring (3), and - means for controlling the compression means (6) for the spring (3) configured to modify a relative distance between the stops (7, 8), so as to compress or decompress the spring (3) according to a command of an operator, and configured to maintain the relative distance between the stops (7,8) in the absence of an order.

2. Tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one stop (7, 8) comprises a stop arm (10) against the ejector (2) oriented along the working direction (D) and a clearance volume (V) arranged around the arm (10) so as to allow the thread (F) to be folded into the clearance volume (V).

3. Tool (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper stop (8) is fixed and the lower stop (7) is movable.

4. Tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising means for guiding in translation (12) of at least one movable stop (7, 8), the guidance in translation being carried out in the working direction (D).

5. Tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control means (9) are bimanual control means so as to mobilize two hands of the operator for the outcome of a command.

6. Tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising first indexing means (14) disposed on a stop (7, 8) and intended to cooperate with associated second indexing means (15) disposed on the ejector (2) so as to allow the ejector (2) to be installed in the tool (1) only in a predetermined direction.

7. Tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a retaining rod (18) intended to be mounted through an opening (4a, 5a) disposed on each plate (4, 5) and intended to be positioned coaxially with the spring (3) and the two plates (4, 5).

8. Tool (1) according to claim 7, wherein the retaining rod (18) is mounted to slide through the upper stop (8).

9. Tool (1) according to claim 7 or 8, comprising a detector (20) for the presence of the retaining rod (18) which allows the operation of the tool (1) only when the presence of the retaining rod (18) is detected.

10. A method for arming a parachute ejector (2) comprising a compression spring (3), a lower base support plate (4) for the spring (3), an upper head support plate (5) for the spring (3), and a thread (F) encircling the spring (3) and attached to the two plates (4, 5), implemented by an arming tool according to any one of claims 7 to 9 depending on claim 2, comprising the steps of: - pre-installing the ejector (2) and the retaining rod (18) in the tool (1), - progressively compressing the spring (3) of the ejector (2) by controlling the compression means (6) of the spring (3) until an arming position of the ejector (2), - folding the thread (F) into the clearance volume (V) around the arm (10) so as to prevent the thread (F) from becoming entangled in the spring (3) during the progressive compression of the spring, - folding of the thread (F) when the ejector (2) is in the armed position,- installation of releaseable locking means in the ejector (2) arming position, - movement of the compression means (6) to a retraction position of the retaining rod (18) and the ejector (2), and - retraction of the retaining rod (18) and the ejector (2).

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