Vehicle equipped with emergency evacuation assistance device, liquid retention device equipped with such an evacuation assistance device, and emergency evacuation assistance device

Abstract

The vehicle of the invention comprises an inner wall (5), an exit for evacuation from the vehicle, and a device (1) for assisting emergency evacuation of the vehicle, fixedly secured to the inner wall (5) by fastening members (3, 4). The device (1) comprises a housing (2) with a body (20) defining an interior volume (V) and a cover (7) connected to the body (20) by permanent connection means (8). The body (20), the fastening members (3, 4), the cover (7) and the permanent connection means (8) are shaped and dimensioned such that the cover (7), in an open position, contributes to forming a support compartment and / or a retainer that allows a person to pull themselves up in the direction of the evacuation exit. An apparatus for assisting survival and evacuation of a person is also disclosed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the general technical field of equipment for supporting the survival and evacuation of people in danger in enclosed passenger vehicles, in particular aircraft or marine and underwater vehicles, and falls within the general field of equipment intended to be fastened to the walls of such vehicles.

[0002] The invention relates more precisely to a vehicle comprising an inner wall forming, for example, the inner wall of a passenger compartment or a cockpit, and an escape exit from the vehicle. The present invention also relates to the class of liquid retention devices fitted to such vehicles. Finally, the present invention also relates to a class of devices for assisting in emergency evacuation of a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0003] Enclosed cabin vehicles may trap the occupants in case of an accident, thus endangering their lives. This risk is particularly important with respect to aircraft such as helicopters. Thus, if a helicopter crashes into the ground or into a body of water in an accident and rolls over and falls, its passengers may have great difficulty in reaching the lateral emergency exits that are still in the open air, which ultimately puts them in imminent danger. Thus, the passengers have to climb inside the cabin to try to reach the emergency exits, which proves to be particularly difficult, especially in the moments immediately following the impact of the device on the ground or in the water. This problem mainly concerns helicopters dedicated to rescue missions, whose cabins are generally cluttered with a large amount of bulky equipment that may hinder the evacuation of the passengers if the helicopter crashes on its side. In particular, helicopters dedicated to the rescue of individuals at high seas may be equipped with water retention trays located on the floor of the passenger compartment to collect seawater that runs off the stretcher, for example after a person has been pulled from the sea and hoisted by the helicopter. The presence of such water retention trays covering the floor does not facilitate evacuation of the passenger compartment in an emergency situation such as that described above.

[0004] Of course, the problems discussed above do not only relate to helicopters, but also to airplanes or even sea or underwater vehicles, and in general to any enclosed vehicle that may have passengers trapped inside. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] (See International Search Report) Summary of the Invention

[0006] [Disclosure of the Invention] The object given to the present invention is therefore aimed at proposing a new vehicle that remedies the various drawbacks listed above and that offers passengers the possibility of effective, compact, lightweight and easily integrated assistance in the event of an accident, including assistance in very constrained environments such as the cabin of a rescue helicopter, and that allows passengers to extricate themselves by their own means from the vehicle, in particular in case of the vehicle becoming stuck in an orientation tilted relative to its normal operating direction.

[0007] Another object of the invention aims at proposing a new vehicle which is of particularly simple and robust construction whilst being particularly safe in the event of an accident. Another object of the invention aims at proposing a new vehicle providing securely mounted emergency evacuation assistance. Another object of the invention aims at proposing a new vehicle providing emergency evacuation assistance that implements a minimum of components and is particularly intuitive and ergonomic. Another object of the invention aims at proposing a new vehicle that does not require any active action by the user to facilitate emergency evacuation in case of an accident.

[0008] Another object of the invention aims at proposing a new vehicle that does not require electrical power in order to facilitate emergency evacuation in case of an accident. Another object of the invention aims at proposing a new vehicle with an optimized habitable interior volume while providing particularly practical mobility assistance in emergency cases. Another object of the invention aims at proposing a new vehicle that allows easy access to functionality and / or emergency or evacuation equipment.

[0009] Another object of the invention also aims at proposing a new liquid retention device, intended to be embedded in the interior floor of a vehicle, making it possible to facilitate evacuation from said vehicle in case of an emergency, such as when the vehicle stops in an inclined orientation relative to its normal operating direction.

[0010] Another object of the invention aims at proposing a new device for assisting the emergency evacuation of vehicles, which is of particularly compact, lightweight and easily integrated construction, while offering effective assistance possibilities to the passengers of an accident vehicle, enabling them to escape from said vehicle by their own means, including in very restricted environments such as the cabin of a rescue helicopter. Another object of the invention aims at proposing a new device for assisting the emergency evacuation of vehicles, which has universal characteristics and can be used to ensure the safety of any type of vehicle. Another object of the invention aims at proposing a new device for assisting emergency evacuation of vehicles, which is of particularly simple and robust construction. Another object of the invention aims at proposing a new device for assisting emergency evacuation of vehicles whose use is safe. Another object of the invention aims at proposing a device for assisting emergency evacuation of vehicles that implements a minimum of components and is particularly intuitive and ergonomic.

[0011] Another object of the invention aims at proposing a new device for assisting emergency evacuation of vehicles, which does not require any positive action by the user to be able to use it in case of an emergency. Another object of the invention aims at proposing a new device for assisting emergency evacuation of vehicles, which does not require electrical power. Another object of the invention aims at proposing a new device for assisting emergency evacuation of vehicles, which has a particularly space-saving and unobtrusive geometric shape, while still providing a particularly practical mobility aid in case of an emergency. Another object of the invention aims at proposing a new device for assisting emergency evacuation of vehicles, which allows very easy access to functionality and / or emergency or evacuation equipment.

[0012] The objectives given in the invention are achieved using the following vehicle: That is, the vehicle is - an inner wall, for example forming the inner wall of a passenger cabin or a cockpit; - Vehicle evacuation exits; - a device for assisting emergency evacuation of a vehicle, the device being fixedly secured to the wall by at least one fastening member, the device comprises a case comprising a body defining an internal volume (V) and at least one cover connected to the body by permanent connection means that allows the cover to move relative to the body between a closed position in which the cover closes access to the internal volume and an open position in which the cover protrudes from the body while releasing access to the internal volume; The body, fastening members, cover and permanent connection means are shaped and / or dimensioned such that the cover, in the open position, contributes to forming a support area and / or gripping portion that allows a person to lean onto and / or grip the cover and thereby lift themselves towards the escape exit.

[0013] The objects given in the present invention are also achieved by means of a liquid retention device intended to be embedded on the interior floor of a vehicle according to the invention. That is, the liquid retention device is designed and configured to collect equipment embedded in the vehicle, such as a seat or a stretcher, and the retention device comprises at least - an upper wall designed and configured to support said equipment, said upper wall comprising a plurality of through holes; a liquid storage tank disposed at least partially below said upper wall for collecting liquid passing through said through-hole; a housing provided on the upper wall; - the case is disposed within the housing.

[0014] The objects set forth in the present invention are finally achieved by means of a device for assisting emergency evacuation of a vehicle. That is, the device comprises a case having at least one fastening member for reversibly and securely fastening the case to a wall of the vehicle; The case comprises a body defining an interior volume and at least one cover connected to the body by permanent connection means that allows the cover to move relative to the body between a closed position in which the cover closes access to the interior volume and an open position in which the cover protrudes from the body while releasing access to the interior volume; the body, fastening members, cover and permanent connection means are shaped and / or dimensioned such that the cover, in an open position, contributes to forming a support area and / or a gripping portion that allows a person to lean on and / or grip the cover and thereby lift themselves towards an escape exit of the vehicle; The device includes one or more of the following devices and is disposed within the interior volume: a flexible unrolling ladder, a handle fixedly fixed or articulated to a body, a hook, a ring, a breathing mask, an auxiliary breathing block.

[0015] Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in more detail on reading the following description and on reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided purely for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a device for assisting emergency evacuation of a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the invention, the cover of which is in a closed position. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates in schematic perspective view the emergency evacuation assistance device of FIG. 1, with its cover in an open position, the device including a pivot handle disposed within its interior volume. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the emergency evacuation assistance device of FIG. 2 with its cover open. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows the emergency evacuation assistance device of the previous figure in a partially cross-sectional side view, where the emergency evacuation assistance device is firmly fixed to a fastening rail integrated into the wall of the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and its cover in the open position is used as a step by the user to lift himself towards the emergency exit of the vehicle. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 shows in a schematic perspective view a device for assisting the emergency evacuation of vehicles conforming to a second embodiment, the cover of which is in the open position, which differs from the first embodiment of the preceding figure essentially and clearly by the fact that, on the one hand, it embeds in its internal volume an extendable unrolling ladder instead of a pivoting handle, and, on the other hand, it implements a return spring for returning the cover to the open position. [Figure 6] FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of a device for assisting emergency evacuation of a vehicle, with its cover in the open position, which clearly differs from the second embodiment of FIG. 5 by the fact that instead of an extendable unrolling ladder, a pivoting handle, a hook and a ring are housed in the internal volume. [Figure 7]FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an emergency evacuation assistance device according to the present invention, with its cover open and equipped with a lock and a member for controlling the lock comprising an impact sensing element. [Figure 8] 8 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the emergency evacuation assistance device of FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates the emergency evacuation assistance device of FIGS. 7 and 8 in a schematic cross-sectional view, with its cover locked in a closed position. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 shows a schematic partial perspective top view of a liquid holding device according to the invention, in which a device for assisting emergency evacuation of a vehicle according to the invention is integrated. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the liquid retention device of FIG. 10 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The following description applies equally to vehicles, liquid retention devices, and devices for assisting emergency evacuation of vehicles according to the present invention.

[0018] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a device 1 for assisting the emergency evacuation of vehicles, in particular for assisting the evacuation of crash vehicles, which is intended in particular to enable people on board a vehicle, for example in a closed passenger compartment of the crash vehicle, in case of emergency, for example after an accident, to escape from the vehicle by their own means. The device 1 thus facilitates the evacuation of people from said vehicle, including in particular when said vehicle has stopped due to an accident in a position and / or orientation that does not correspond to its normal operating position and / or orientation. In such an abnormal position, the vehicle is for example at rest rolled over on one side, whereby the floor of its passenger compartment is for example vertical instead of horizontal. The emergency evacuation assistance device 1 according to the invention therefore makes it possible to aid the survival and evacuation of people even in this type of catastrophic position by providing the people at risk in the vehicle with a support or suspension point that facilitates their displacement in the direction of an emergency exit, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with such an emergency evacuation assistance device 1. The vehicle comprises, for example, an inner wall 5 forming the inner wall of a passenger compartment or a cockpit, which is therefore located inside the vehicle, for example in the passenger compartment or cockpit of the vehicle, inside the cockpit if it is an aircraft (plane or helicopter). The vehicle according to the invention also comprises at least one evacuation exit of the vehicle, for example in the form of an opening (which may or may not comprise a door, a window or a closed window) allowing all persons accommodated in the vehicle (for example in the cockpit) to escape from the vehicle by opening a door or breaking a window, if necessary.

[0020] The emergency evacuation assistance device 1 according to the invention advantageously has a universal design suitable for equipping vehicles of all types and of all natures. For example, the vehicle according to the invention can be a land vehicle, a sea vehicle or an air vehicle. Preferably, the vehicle is one of the following groups: - air vehicles, including lighter-than-air vehicles and aerial vehicles with fixed wings (e.g. airplanes) or rotary wings (e.g. helicopters); and - Marine or underwater vehicles, belongs to at least one of the following:

[0021] In the following, reference will be made to the emergency evacuation assistance device 1 intended to be equipped on a helicopter, for example a rescue or evacuation helicopter, although it will be understood that the invention is in no way limited to this preferential application and, as already mentioned above, may also relate to any other vehicle, in particular a vehicle defining a very narrow interior space.

[0022] As shown in the figures, the device 1 comprises a case 2, which has, for example, a substantially elliptical (FIGS. 1 to 6) or parallelepiped (FIGS. 7 to 9) shape. The case 2 thus forms a volume element, which defines a useful interior space and presents a variable geometric shape that, depending on the circumstances, can adopt an emergency evacuation assistance configuration in case of an accident, while making it possible to adopt a configuration with reduced bulk when the vehicle is in normal operation. The case 2 is advantageously made from a rigid material, for example a metallic material (for example steel or aluminum). However, it is possible to consider the use of plastic or composite materials. As shown in the figures, the case 2 advantageously comprises a body 20, which defines an interior volume V. For example, the body 20 comprises a bottom 20A and a side wall 20B extending upward from the bottom 20A, for example between a lower edge fixed to the bottom 20A around the periphery of the bottom 20A and a free upper edge 200. The free upper edge 200 defines an opening that provides access to the interior volume V.

[0023] The case 2 comprises at least one fastening member 3, 4 for fastening, preferably reversibly, the case 2 to a wall 5 of the vehicle. As mentioned above, the wall 5 of the vehicle is an internal wall of the vehicle, which for example forms the internal wall of the passenger compartment or cockpit. This means that the wall 5 is contained within the interior volume of the vehicle and is thereby not directly exposed to the external environment and is protected at least from rain, unlike the external walls, i.e. walls (e.g. fuselage walls) that are directly exposed to the external environment of the vehicle (e.g. air or water). Advantageously, the fastening members 3, 4 are fastened to the body 20, i.e. embedded in the body 20 and advantageously protrude from the body 20 towards the outside of the body. The fastening members 3, 4 protrude, for example, from the bottom 20A and / or the side walls 20B, as shown in the figures.

[0024] Said wall 5 advantageously constitutes the interior floor of the vehicle, for example the interior floor of the cabin of a helicopter. However, it is entirely possible to fasten the case 2 firmly to an interior wall of the vehicle other than the floor. The fastening elements 3, 4 preferably ensure a reversible and fastening of the case 2 to the wall 5, i.e. the case 2 can be easily and freely removed from and attached to said wall 5, preferably without the need for tools. The fastening elements 3, 4 therefore advantageously constitute a quick fastening system without tools, which allows the case 2 to be fastened removably to the wall 5. Thanks to this reversible nature, the emergency evacuation assistance device 1 according to the invention can be easily deployed and disassembled, for example depending on the use constraints of the vehicle and possibly also on the equipment embedded in the vehicle. In the case of a helicopter or another aircraft, the interior arrangement of the cabin and / or the cockpit can vary, for example depending on the use given to the vehicle and the mission to be performed. The reversible, firm fixation provided by the fastening members 3, 4 makes it possible to install or move the case 2 to a suitable position, taking into account the bulk and installation of other equipment required in the passenger compartment.

[0025] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the fastening element 3 is intended to cooperate with an aircraft rail 6, for example recessed in a wall 5. Such aircraft rails are known per se and are intended to receive, for example, the fastenings of aircraft seats. In this embodiment, the fastening element 3 comprises at least one leg 30, preferably two legs 30, 31, intended to cooperate with the aircraft rail 6 of combined shape. Each leg 30, 31 comprises, for example, one or more enlarged tips intended to be inserted into corresponding cells provided on the surface of the rail 6. Each cell of the rail 6 is separated from the adjacent cell by an intercellular portion with reduced cross section. It is then sufficient to longitudinally offset the legs 30, 31 along the rail 6 in order to capture the enlarged tips of the legs by the intercellular portion with reduced cross section. Said longitudinal offset of the legs 30, 31 in order to capture the enlarged tips by the intercellular portion of the rail 6 is obtained by translation of the legs 30, 31 along the stationary rail 6. For example, the legs 30, 31 are fixed relative to the body 20, whereby said translation of the legs 30, 31 is effected by translation of the body 20 relative to the rail 6. Alternatively, the legs 30, 31 are mounted so as to be translationally movable relative to the body 20. The body is thus placed in this case facing the rail 6 in its fastening position, and the legs 30, 31 are then translated relative to the body 20 and the rail 6, so that the enlarged tips of the legs 30, 31 and the cells of the rail 6 are offset. Advantageously, the case 2 includes means (not shown) for manually controlling the translational displacement of the legs 30, 31 relative to the body 20. Preferably, for reasons of safety and reliability, said manual control means are housed inside the case 2, in an internal volume V, and are thereby only accessible from inside the body 20. Such rapid reversible deployment / undeployment systems are known per se and therefore do not need to be described further here. However, the use of a rail 6 is not absolutely necessary; for example, the fastening member 3 can cooperate with a local base which does not have an elongated shape like a rail.

[0026] As an alternative or in addition to the above-mentioned fastening member 3, the case 2 comprises a fastening member 4 capable of cooperating with a smooth surface on which no aircraft rails are laid. In this case, the fastening member 4 comprises, for example, one or several suction cups 40, 41. Each suction cup 40, 41 comprises, for example, a stretchable membrane associated with a control means 400, 410 (for example a lever), which allows pressing of the gap space bounded by the wall 5 on the one hand and by said stretchable membrane on the other hand. Here again, the control means 400, 410 are advantageously housed inside the body 20, in an internal volume V, and are thereby only accessible from inside the body 20.

[0027] The invention is of course not limited to the particular types of fastening members 3, 4 and other fastening members can be implemented, provided that they preferably ensure a firm and immovable fixation of the case 2 to the wall 5, i.e. a firm fixation substantially eliminating any degree of freedom between the case 2 and said wall 5.

[0028] The fastening members 3, 4 can be designed to fasten the case 2 directly to the wall 5, for example as illustrated for the example of Fig. 4, but alternatively the fastening members 3, 4 can also fasten the case 2 reversibly to another device which is itself fastened (reversibly or irreversibly) to the wall 5. In this case the fastening members 3, 4 are designed to fasten the case 2 indirectly to the wall 5.

[0029] According to the invention, the case 2 also comprises at least one cover 7 connected to the body 20 by permanent connection means 8, which (8) allow the cover 7 to move relative to the body 20 between a closed position (Figures 1 and 9), in which the cover 7 closes the access to the internal volume V, and an open position (Figures 2 to 8), in which the cover 7 protrudes from the body 20 while releasing the access to the internal volume V. The permanent connection means 8 thus advantageously ensure the guidance of the cover 7 between the closed and open positions.

[0030] The cover 7 may be formed by a single integral piece in the form of a plate, as shown in the figures, whose shape is combined with that of the access opening defined by the upper edge 200. However, it is entirely conceivable that the cover 7 is formed by different movable pieces independent of one another.

[0031] According to the invention, the case 2, the fastening members 3, 4, the cover 7 and the permanent connection means 8 are shaped and dimensioned such that the cover 7, in the open position, contributes to forming a support area and / or a gripping portion which allows a person to lean on and / or grip the cover 7 and thereby lift their body towards the vehicle's emergency exit. In other words, the cover 7 has a dual function, i.e. - a first function of blocking the access opening to close off the internal volume V; - providing a second support or gripping function intended to support all or part of the weight of one or more people to help them move within the vehicle towards an emergency exit.

[0032] To this end, the fastening elements 3, 4 must ensure that the case 2 is fastened firmly and securely to the wall 5 in order to prevent the case 2 from coming loose from the wall 5 in an untimely manner. This means that the fastening elements 3, 4 must fasten the case 2 to the wall 5 in such a way that they at least withstand a force corresponding to the weight of a person, corrected, if necessary, by a safety factor. The minimum force that the fastening provided by the fastening elements 3, 4 must withstand is preferably equal to 1000 N, preferably equal to 2000 N, even more preferably equal to 3000 N, whatever the direction in which said minimum force (traction, shear, torsion, etc.) is exerted. Similarly, the body 2, to which the fastening elements 3, 4 are attached on the one hand and the cover 7 on the other hand, must itself be sufficiently resistant not to break when a person leans on the cover 7 in the open position and lifts his body towards an emergency exit. To this end, the body 2 is advantageously made from metal (e.g., aluminum) with sufficient dimensions so as not to deform, deteriorate or break when a person leans on the cover 7 connected to the body 20 of the case 2.

[0033] The cover 7 is of course also designed to withstand the forces involved when a person leans or clings onto it and lifts himself towards the vehicle's emergency exit. The cover 7 is therefore advantageously made from a metallic material (e.g. aluminium) and has a sufficient thickness so as not to plastically deform or break when a person leans onto the cover 7 and lifts himself towards the emergency exit.

[0034] Finally, the permanent connection means 8 ensuring the connection of the cover 7 to the body 20 are also robust enough to withstand the forces transmitted to them by the cover 7 when it is used as a support area and / or when it is carried by an individual. The permanent connection means 8 are also advantageously made from metal (e.g. aluminium or steel) with dimensions sufficient to withstand the forces involved.

[0035] Advantageously, the cover 7 has at least one first surface S1, while the body 20 has at least one second surface S2 located in said internal volume V. The first surface S1 is for example formed by the inner surface 7A of the cover 7, which is intended to be located facing the internal volume V when the cover 7 is in the closed position. The second surface S2 is itself for example formed by a part of the inner surface 21 of the side wall 20B, which is located facing the internal volume V. Advantageously, as illustrated in Figures 2, 5, 6 and 7, when the cover 7 is in the open position, said first surface S1 becomes located substantially in continuity with said second surface S2. Thanks to this characteristic, as illustrated for example for example in Figure 4, the first and second surfaces S1, S2 combine to form a resultant larger support surface, which is therefore easier, more practical and more comfortable to use. In the situation of Fig. 4, an individual uses the cover 7 as a step to lift himself up towards the vehicle's evacuation exit, and this step has a large surface to accommodate the combination of the first and second surfaces S1, S2. Preferably, the space to the right of the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 is relatively free to allow the user to lean against it and / or place part of the user's body thereon, for example as illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0036] Advantageously, the cover 7 is articulated to the body 20, whereby the displacement of the cover 7 relative to the body 20 is a rotational displacement or at least includes a rotational component. Preferably, the permanent connection means 8 comprises at least one hinge 80 connecting the body 20 and the cover 7, whereby said cover 7 is pivotally mounted relative to the body 20 along a pivot axis XX'. For example, the hinge 80 is arranged on the upper edge 200 of the side wall 20B and advantageously extends over a straight portion of said upper edge 200.

[0037] Advantageously, the permanent connection means 8 comprises at least one means 81 for maintaining said cover 7 in an open position. The maintaining means 81 may for example comprise one or more compasses, as illustrated in figures 2 to 6, which in combination with the hinge 80 make it possible to limit the angular movement of the cover 7 relative to the body 20. For example, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the permanent connection means 8 comprises, in addition to the hinge 80, two compasses 81 arranged on either side of the case 20 and limiting the angular movement of the cover 7 relative to the body 20 at an angle of 90°. In other words, the cover 7 can be pivoted from its closed position, forming an angle of 0° with the body 20, to its open position, forming an angle of 90° with the body 20, as illustrated in the figures, which allows the first surface S1 to be continuous with the second surface S2, as previously explained. The invention is of course not limited to an angular movement of 90°. However, such an angular movement proves to be particularly advantageous in situations where the vehicle has rolled over due to an accident and become stuck, since in this case its floor, which corresponds to the wall 5 to which the case 2 is fastened by its bottom 20A, is vertical, as illustrated in Figure 4. In this case, the transition of the cover 7 in the open position, which corresponds to an angular movement of 90°, allows the cover 7 to be positioned approximately horizontally, so that the cover 7 can serve, for example, as a step or rung for crawling towards an evacuation exit extending perpendicularly to the floor forming the wall 5.

[0038] The permanent connection means 8 comprise, for example, a member for fastening the cover 7 in the open position, which acts on the maintaining means 81 and prevents the cover 7 from returning from the open position to the closed position. Thanks to this advantageous property, it is possible for the cover 7 to rest not only on its inner surface 7A but also on the opposite outer surface 7A of the cover 7 without folding into the closed position. For this purpose, each compass forming the maintaining means 81 advantageously comprises, for example, a system for relatively locking its arms, which automatically fixes the arms in their relative positions when the cover 7 reaches the open position.

[0039] As shown in the figure, the cover 7 advantageously: in the closed position, it extends in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the side wall 20B to block the access opening defined by the free upper edge 200; In the open position, it is advantageously designed to extend in a second plane that is substantially perpendicular to said first plane.

[0040] Preferably, the first plane is substantially parallel to the wall 5, so that in the closed configuration, the cover 7 does not constitute an obstacle that may obstruct the vehicle passengers, while the second plane is advantageously perpendicular to the wall 5, so that in the open position, the cover 7 advantageously projects perpendicularly to the wall 5 to the right of said wall 5.

[0041] It is therefore particularly advantageous to mount the body 20 by its bottom 20A to the wall 5, with the pivot axis XX' of the cover 7 relative to the body 20 being arranged substantially parallel to said wall 5, in order to obtain a suitably positioned and oriented support area and / or grip by pivoting the cover 7 from the closed position to the open position. Naturally, several emergency evacuation assistance devices 1 according to the invention may be provided and mounted at different positions in the same vehicle, for example with different orientations taking into account the arrangement of the respective evacuation exits of the vehicle, in order to address all foreseeable emergency situations, for example to accommodate the vehicle being stuck in different spatial orientations due to an accident.

[0042] Advantageously, case 2 is coupled to one or more of the following systems: a signaling system, a location system, an external distress system; Thereby, the transition of the cover 7 from the closed position is detected and in response thereto, e.g. - Activation of acoustic, optical, radio-electric and / or pyrotechnic signals by means of a signalling system; - emission by a location system of a signal containing the instantaneous coordinates of the vehicle (e.g., global positioning system (GPS)); and - Activation of one or more external distress systems (e.g. activation of a beacon or inflation of a buoyancy aid device); The initiation of one or more actions, such as, is controlled by one or more of the aforementioned systems.

[0043] Advantageously, the case 2 comprises a lock 9 that can alternately adopt an actuated configuration designed to maintain the cover 7 in the closed position and a deactuated configuration designed to allow the cover 7 to be transferred to the open position. Preferably, the case 2 comprises at least one elastic element 10 that exerts a force on the cover 7 to return it to the open position. Such an elastic element is illustrated in relation to the embodiment of Figs. 5 to 9, but can also be included in the other embodiments of Figs. 1 to 4. Generally, the different illustrated embodiments can be combined, whereby features present in one embodiment can also be implemented in another embodiment without them. The elastic element 10 comprises, for example, one or more torsion springs as shown in the figures, and permanently exerts a force on the cover 7 to return it to the open position. Thus, when the cover 7 is in the closed position and the lock 9 is in the actuated configuration, when the lock 9 is switched to the deactuated configuration, the cover 7 is automatically returned to the open position under the effect of the force exerted by the elastic element 10.

[0044] However, the use of a means for exerting a return force on the cover 7 is entirely optional. Thus, if the elastic element 10 does not exert a force on the cover 7 to return it to the open position, the transition of the lock 9 from the activated configuration to the deactivated configuration will not lead to a spontaneous transition of the cover 7 to the open position while the cover 7 is in the closed position. In that case, it would be appropriate for the user to manually move the cover 7 from the closed position to the open position.

[0045] The lock 9 comprises, for example, a rotating latch 9A embedded in the cover 7 and mounted so as to rotate relative to the cover 7 between two positions: a locking position in which said latch 9A is designed to be inserted into a complementary cavity 9B provided in a side wall 20B of the body 20; and an unlocked position in which said latch 9A is released from the complementary cavity 9B.

[0046] The lock 9 thus forms in this case a mechanical catch. However, the invention is not limited to the implementation of the lock 9 formed by such a catch, and the use of electrical, electromechanical or magnetic devices is entirely possible without departing from the scope of the invention. In the case of a mechanical lock, the use of a pivoting latch is also not mandatory. Thus, as illustrated in Figures 7 to 9 and as will be explained in more detail below, it is alternatively possible to implement the lock 9 as a system based on one or more stationary hooks 16 (but preferably elastically deformable) carried by the cover 7 and intended to hook onto a removable retaining pin 14 firmly fixed to the body 20.

[0047] Advantageously, the device 1 comprises a member 11 for controlling the lock 9, in order to control the transition of the lock 9 from an activated configuration to a deactivated configuration. For example, according to the embodiment of figures 1 to 6, the control member 11 comprises a manually actuatable portion 12, in order to manually control the transition of the lock 9 from an activated configuration to a deactivated configuration. For example, the manually actuatable portion 12 is in the form of a rotary button which directly rotates the latch 9A, thus allowing the user to directly control the pivoting of the latch 9A.

[0048] Thus, in case of emergency, it is sufficient to rotate the button forming the manually actuatable part 12 in order to unlock the cover 7, which can open automatically under the influence of a return force exerted by the elastic element 10 or under the influence of a manual opening force exerted by the user, possibly via the manually actuatable part 12 which can serve as a gripping member.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the control member 11 comprises an impact sensing element 13 connected to or forming part of the lock 9, which automatically transfers the lock 9 from the activated to the deactivated configuration when the case 2 undergoes an impact, more precisely an impact characteristic in case of an accident. In this embodiment, an example of which is illustrated in Figs. 7 to 9, no active steps need to be taken to release the cover 7 and thus to access the gripping and / or support area features provided by the cover 7. On the contrary, in this embodiment, the device 1 is designed to detect a situation in which the opening of the cover 7 is required, in order to automatically transfer the cover 7 to the open position by itself. Such an emergency situation generally involves one or more violent impacts, in particular when the vehicle is an aircraft, for example associated with the collision of the vehicle against the ground or a body of water. The control member 11 is in this case advantageously able to detect the impact and, in response thereto, immediately and automatically transfers the lock 9 from its activated configuration to its deactivated configuration, thus releasing the cover 7 which can reach its open position spontaneously, for example under the influence of a return force exerted by the elastic element 10.

[0050] For example, the impact sensing element 13 is an acceleration sensing element capable of transitioning from a first state to a second state upon being subjected to a predetermined level of acceleration in one or more predetermined directions.

[0051] For example, the shock sensing element 13 comprises, on the one hand, a first piece 14 connected to or forming part of the lock 9, and, on the other hand, a connection device 15 ensuring a fixed connection (i.e. an immovable connection) between said first piece 14 and the body 20, which is designed to be released under the effect of a predefined displacement of said first piece 14 relative to the body 20. In other words, the connection device 15 ensures that the first piece 14 is immovable (fixed connection) relative to the body 20, unless the first piece 14 is subjected to a predefined acceleration corresponding to an impact.

[0052] For example, as already mentioned above, the lock 9 is advantageously fixed to the cover 7 and comprises, on the one hand, at least one hook 16 extending upwards from the right side of the inner surface 7A of the cover, and a retaining pin forming the first piece 14 and attached in a predetermined position to the inner surface of the case 20, for example the bottom part 20A, as shown in the figure. In the closed position, the cover 7 is in a folded state over the body 20 to block the access opening, and said at least one hook 16 is gripped by the retaining pin forming the first piece 14, as shown in FIG. 9. Under the effect of an impact of a predetermined nature (amplitude and direction), the first piece 14 moves away from its predetermined position, which results in the simultaneous release of the fixed connection previously provided by the connection device 15. The cover 7 is thus no longer held in the closed position by the lock 9 and can possibly open spontaneously, for example under the effect of a return force exerted by the elastic element 10, reaching an open position which makes it usable as a grip and / or support area.

[0053] Preferably, the release of the fixed connection provided by the connecting device 15 leads to a complete release of the first piece 14, so that it can be disengaged from the hook 16. However, to prevent that the first piece 14 can be transformed into a projectile dangerous for the vehicle and its occupants, the device 1 advantageously comprises an extendable safety link 15A, for example formed by a (preferably waterproof) cable, which permanently connects the first piece 14 to the body 20, including when the fixed connection is released.

[0054] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the connection device 15 comprises at least one first bolt 17A movably mounted between a deployed elastic return position (shown in FIG. 8) and a retracted position. The first bolt 17A is for example formed by a sliding finger under the influence of a first spring 18A, which permanently returns the first bolt 17A to its deployed position. The connection device 15 also advantageously comprises a first striker 19A, preferably formed by a cavity or a concave surface or groove, into which the first bolt 17A engages in the deployed position, thus ensuring said fixed connection between said first piece 14 and the body 20. More precisely, in the example shown in the figures, the retaining pin forming the first piece 14 extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. Said first end carries a first striker 19A cooperating with the first bolt 17A. To this end, the connection device 15 comprises, inside the case 2, in the internal volume V, a first flange 150 protruding from the bottom 20A.

[0055] The first flange 150 advantageously supports an elastic connecting block including the first spring 18A and the first bolt 17A. The first striker 19A is positioned facing the first bolt 17A and allows mechanical engagement of the first bolt 17A therein, thus achieving said fixed connection.

[0056] Advantageously, a second striker 19B and a second flange 151 are provided at the other end of the retaining pin forming the first piece 14, the second flange 151 carrying a second elastic connecting block embedded with a second spring 18B that returns the second bolt 17B to the deployed position. The first piece 14 is thus maintained between the two flanges 150 and 151 by means of an elastic connecting block that ensures the establishment of said fixed connection between said first piece 14 and the body 20.

[0057] Advantageously, the first bolt 17A and the second bolt 17B are each designed to be pushed back into a retracted position under the effect of the predetermined displacement of the first piece 14 relative to the body 20 by the cam effect exerted by the respective edges of the first striker 19A and the second striker 19B, thereby disengaging from the first striker 19A and the second striker 19B, respectively, and thus releasing the fixed connection. The predetermined displacement occurs in response to an acceleration, the value of which characterizes an impact and exceeds a predetermined threshold in a predetermined direction. The release of the fixed connection results in the unlocking of the cover 7 and its transition to the open position, under the return effect advantageously exerted by the elastic element 10.

[0058] This embodiment is particularly advantageous since it allows automatic activation of the opening of the cover 7 in the event of an accident situation by using very simple, reliable and robust means that do not require any power supply or complex maintenance operations.

[0059] In order to adjust the breaking of the fixed connection effected by the connection device 15 between the first piece 14 and the body 20, it is of course appropriate to influence in particular not only the dimensions and stiffness of each spring 18A, 18B, but also the mass of the first piece 14, which therefore comprises one or more weights 14A, 14B of predetermined mass.

[0060] The invention is naturally not limited to the exemplary embodiment shown. For example, it is alternatively possible for the fixed connection provided by the connection device 15 between said first piece 14 and the body 20 to be a magnetic connection. In this case, each end of the retaining pin advantageously forming the first piece 14 comprises, for example, a magnet that is attached to the corresponding flanges 150, 151 by magnetic forces.

[0061] According to yet another alternative, the connection device 15 comprises at least one releasable piece which ensures, for example, said fixed connection between said first piece 14 and the body 20. Said releasable piece is, for example, connected to one end of a retaining pin and advantageously forms the first piece 14 together with corresponding flanges 150, 151. Said releasable part is designed to release under the effect of a predefined displacement of the first piece 14 relative to the body 20, thereby releasing said fixed connection.

[0062] The various alternative solutions discussed above all have the great advantage of not requiring a power source and relying on very simple and passive mechanical or magnetic mechanisms, however, it is entirely possible to implement the shock sensing element 13 with electrical, electronic or electromagnetic means and, where appropriate, with powered sensors, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0063] Preferably, the device 1 for assisting emergency evacuation of a vehicle according to the invention comprises, arranged within said internal volume V, one or more of the devices listed below: - Extendable and unwindable ladder 60. Preferably, the extendable ladder 60 is designed to automatically unwind as soon as the cover 7 is opened, thus allowing easy personal access to the support area formed by the cover 7. a handle 61 fixedly secured or articulated to the body 20; For example, the handle 61 is pivotally mounted to the body 20 along an axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation XX' of the cover 7. The handle 61 can advantageously be changed between a retracted position (illustrated in Figures 2 and 6) and a deployed position reached after an angular movement of 90° so as to be perpendicular to the bottom 2A. Preferably, the deployed position is a resilient return position so as to make the handle 61 immediately accessible and practical to use as soon as the cover 7 is moved to the open position. The handle 61 thus acts as a grip or additional support point to facilitate evacuation, in combination with the support and gripping surfaces provided by the cover 7 itself. - a hook 62 which can be used for example to hang emergency equipment. - a ring 63 which, in combination with the support area formed by the cover 7, can serve as an attachment point, hanging point or gripping point (e.g. for manual holding) to facilitate the evacuation operation. - a respirator (not shown) that allows the individual to breathe normally if, for example, in the case of a fire, the area in which the individual is located is invaded by smoke. Such a respirator can also be used to allow breathing underwater when the vehicle is a marine or underwater vehicle, if the area in which the individual is located is flooded or if an escape exit is within a flooded area. - An auxiliary breathing block (not shown) including an auxiliary bottle containing breathing gas (air, oxygen) and a regulating valve to allow underwater evacuation.

[0064] In this advantageous embodiment, the device 1 therefore assumes the function of providing a support area and / or a grip enabling a person to lift themselves to the vehicle's evacuation exit in case of an emergency, as well as the function of providing equipment that increases the likelihood of facilitating the evacuation and / or survival of individuals present in the accident vehicle.

[0065] Of course, the above list is by no means exhaustive and it may well be possible to place other equipment within the internal volume V, whether emergency or not, signalling equipment or any other equipment useful for evacuation or survival.

[0066] Preferably, the retroreflective signaling device 500 and / or photoluminescent device 600 are positioned within the interior volume V so as to be visible when the cover 7 is in the open position to facilitate evacuation operations and survival. The retroreflective signaling device 500 and / or photoluminescent device 600 may, for example, cover an inner stationary surface of the body 20 as shown in FIG. 5 and / or cover one or more of the pieces of equipment present within the interior volume V (e.g., the handle 61). The procedure for re-illuminating the photoluminescent device 600 may consist of opening the cover 7 to expose the photoluminescent device 600 to a light source for a predetermined period of time prior to any displacement of the vehicle.

[0067] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a liquid retention device 50 intended to be embedded in the interior floor of a vehicle, preferably a rescue or evacuation helicopter. The liquid retention device 50 is designed and configured in particular to collect embedded (on-board) equipment (not shown) in said vehicle during a rescue operation, for example a sheet or a stretcher. Such rescue missions include, for example, operations to rescue individuals in a body of water, in particular at sea (including on a ship). The embedded (on-board) equipment comprises, for example, a stretcher, but may alternatively be a seat or any other equipment of the vehicle. The dimensions of the liquid retention device 50 are preferably adapted to support all of the embedded equipment, i.e. the retention device 50 is configured to intervene between the interior floor of the vehicle and the embedded equipment. According to a particular embodiment, the embedded equipment comprises a stretcher, which will be submerged during an operation to rescue individuals at sea, for example. Thus, the individual is placed on a stretcher and the stretcher is then transported in a vehicle, for example a helicopter (e.g. transported by helicopter). In this last particular case or other situations, liquid (in this case water) may flow from the stretcher and the rescued individual. The liquid retention device 50 is therefore advantageously designed to capture and retain liquid that overflows, in particular from a wet stretcher and / or from any other wet equipment, during a rescue operation at sea.

[0068] To this end, the liquid retention device 50 comprises at least one upper wall 51 designed and configured to support the embedded (mounted) equipment, the upper wall 51 comprising a number of through holes 52. The retention device 50 also comprises a liquid reservoir 53 arranged at least partially below the upper wall 51 for collecting liquid passing through the through holes 52.

[0069] Said upper wall 51 is therefore advantageously intended to receive the full weight of the embedded equipment, in particular the full weight of the stretcher, possibly wet with sea water. It advantageously has a substantially flat surface and thus forms a false floor arranged above the interior floor of the vehicle. It is for example formed by at least one plate. Through holes 52 are provided throughout the thickness of said plate and are advantageously regularly distributed over all or part of the surface of the upper wall 51. The liquid storage tank 53 advantageously forms a tray, preferably with its own mechanical strength, which is closed at its upper opening by the upper wall 51.

[0070] Advantageously, a housing is provided in said top wall 51, for example in the form of a cavity provided at least on the surface of the top wall 51. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the liquid retention device 50 also comprises at least one device 1 for assisting emergency evacuation of a vehicle according to the invention and the preceding description. The case 2 of said device 1 is preferably arranged in the housing provided in the top wall 51 such that the cover 7 is flush with the top wall 51 which surrounds it in the closed position (Fig. 10), i.e. the cover 7 advantageously extends flush with the top wall 51.

[0071] Advantageously, in this embodiment, the emergency evacuation assistance device 1 includes a seal disposed between the main body 20 and the cover 7, such that when the cover 7 is in the closed position, liquid that may possibly spill onto the liquid retention device 50 cannot penetrate into the internal volume V.

[0072] Advantageously, as shown in the figure, the emergency evacuation assistance device 1 equipped with the liquid retention device 50 is attached directly to the interior floor of the vehicle, which in this case forms said wall 5 on which rests a tray forming a liquid storage tank 53. In this case, said housing provided in the upper wall 51 advantageously passes through the tray, for example through an aircraft rail fastened to said wall 5 according to the principle shown in figure 4 or integrated in said wall 5, forming a recess allowing the fastening member 3 to be attached to the (preferably interior) wall 5 forming the floor.

[0073] Alternatively, however, it is entirely conceivable that the emergency evacuation assistance device 1 is simply attached to the upper wall 51 and / or the liquid storage tank 53, which in turn is attached to the wall 5. In this alternative embodiment, the emergency evacuation assistance device 1 mounted on the liquid retention device 50 is thus indirectly fixedly secured to the wall 5 through the upper wall 51 and / or the liquid storage tank 53.

[0074] The liquid retention device 50 therefore makes it possible to provide an emergency evacuation assistance function by providing a support area and / or gripping portion formed by the cover 7 in the open position, for example in the event of an accident situation in which the vehicle rolls over and immobilisation causes verticalisation of the floor forming the wall 5.

[0075] In general, the present invention also relates to a system comprising, independently of the examples disclosed above with respect to the liquid retention device 50, a false floor intended to cover the interior floor of a vehicle, and an emergency evacuation assistance device 1 integrated into the thickness of this false floor, conforming to the above description as it is flush with the surface of the false floor.

[0076] Finally, the present invention also generally relates to a vehicle (including a helicopter), in particular one of those mentioned above, comprising a wall 5 as previously described and an emergency evacuation assistance device 1 in accordance with the preceding description, said emergency evacuation assistance device 1 being firmly fixed to said wall 5 by said fastening members 3, 4 either directly (Figure 4) or indirectly (for example by being fastened to an equipment such as a liquid retention device 50 which is itself fastened to the wall 5, preferably an inner wall). [Industrial Applicability]

[0077] The present invention finds its industrial application in the design, manufacture and use of assistive survival equipment and vehicles and devices equipped therewith. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1 Emergency evacuation support device 2 Cases 3,4 Fastening members 5. Vehicle interior walls 7 Cover 8 Permanent connection means (hinge 80, compass 81, etc.) 20 Case Body

Claims

1. A vehicle, an inner wall (5) forming, for example, the inner wall of a passenger cabin or a cockpit; - the escape exits of the vehicle; a device (1) for assisting the emergency evacuation of said vehicle, fixed to said wall (5) by at least one fastening member (3, 4); In a vehicle equipped with The device (1) comprises a case (2), The case (2) comprises a body (20) defining an internal volume (V) and at least one cover (7) connected to the body (20) by permanent connection means (8), the permanent connection means permitting the cover (7) to move relative to the body (20) between a closed position, in which the cover (7) closes access to the internal volume (V), and an open position, in which the cover (7) protrudes from the body (20) but opens access to the internal volume (V); said body (20), said fastening members (3, 4), said cover (7) and said permanent connection means (8) are shaped and / or dimensioned such that said cover (7), in said open position, contributes to forming a support area and / or a gripping portion that allows a person to lean on and / or grip the cover (7) and thereby lift themselves towards said escape exit.

2. 2. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening members (3, 4) reversibly fix the device (1) to the wall (5).

3. 3. Vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said cover (7) is articulated to said body (20) and said permanent connection means (8) comprise at least one hinge (80) connecting said body (20) and said cover (7).

4. Vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said permanent connection means (8) comprise at least one means (81) for maintaining said cover (7) in said open position.

5. 5. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the case (2) comprises a lock (9) capable of alternately adopting an activated configuration designed to maintain the cover (7) in the closed position and an inactivated configuration designed to allow the cover (7) to be moved to the open position.

6. 6. A vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a member (11) for controlling said lock (9) so as to control the transition of said lock (9) from an activated configuration to a deactivated configuration.

7. 7. A vehicle as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the control member (11) comprises a manually actuatable portion (12) for manually controlling the transition of the lock (9) from an activated configuration to a deactivated configuration.

8. 8. A vehicle as claimed in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the control member (11) comprises an impact sensing element (13) connected to or forming part of the lock (9) for automatically transferring the lock (9) from an activated configuration to a deactivated configuration when the case (2) is subjected to an impact.

9. 9. Vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that the impact-sensing element (13) comprises, on the one hand, a first piece (14) connected to or forming part of the lock (9) and, on the other hand, a connection device (15) ensuring a fixed connection between the first piece (14) and the body (20) designed to release under the effect of a predefined displacement of the first piece (14) relative to the body (20).

10. 10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that the fixed connection provided by the connection device between the first piece (14) and the body (20) is a magnetic connection.

11. the connecting device (15) comprises at least one first bolt (17A) movable between a deployed elastic return position and a retracted position, and a first striker (19A) with which the first bolt (17A) engages in the deployed position to ensure the fixed connection between the first piece (14) and the body (20); 10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that the first bolt (17A) is designed to be pushed back into the retracted position under the effect of the predetermined displacement of the first piece (14) relative to the body (20) so as to disengage from the first striker (19A) and release the fixed connection.

12. said connection device (15) comprising at least one releasable piece ensuring said fixed connection between said first piece (14) and said body (20); 10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that the releasable piece is designed to release under the effect of the predetermined displacement of the first piece (14) relative to the body (20), thus releasing the fixed connection.

13. 13. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the case (2) comprises at least one elastic element (10) exerting a force on the cover (7) to return it to the open position.

14. 14. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the cover (7) has at least one first surface (S1) while the body (20) has at least one second surface (S2) located within the internal volume (V), the first surface (S1) being positioned substantially contiguous with the second surface (S2) when the cover (7) is in the open position.

15. said body (20) comprising a bottom (20A) and a side wall (20B) rising from said bottom (20A) between a lower edge fixed to said bottom (20A) and a free upper edge (200) defining an opening providing access to said internal volume (V); 15. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the cover (7) is designed in the closed position to extend in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the side wall (20B) in order to block the access opening, and in the open position to extend in a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane.

16. The device (1) for assisting the emergency evacuation of a vehicle is arranged in the internal volume (V) by the following devices: - flexible and uncoilable ladders (60); a handle (61) fixedly attached or articulated to the body (20), - hook (62), - ring (63), - a breathing mask, - Assisted breathing block, 16. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that it includes one or more of the following:

17. The following groups: - Air vehicles, including lighter-than-air vehicles and aerovereign vehicles, with fixed or rotary wings; - Marine or underwater vehicles, 17. A vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is one of at least one of the following groups:

18. A liquid retention device (50) intended to be mounted on the interior floor of a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 17, said liquid retention device (50) being designed and constructed to collect equipment mounted on said vehicle, such as seats or stretchers, said liquid retention device (50) comprising at least - an upper wall (51) designed and constructed to support said equipment, said upper wall (51) comprising a plurality of through holes (52); a liquid storage tank (53) arranged at least partially below said upper wall (51) for collecting the liquid passing through said through holes (52); a housing provided on said upper wall (51), - said case (2) is arranged within said housing; A liquid retention device comprising:

19. A device (1) for assisting emergency evacuation of a vehicle, comprising: a case (2) provided with at least one fastening member (3, 4) for reversibly fixing the case (2) to a wall (5) of the vehicle, The case (2) comprises a body (20) defining an internal volume (V) and at least one cover (7) connected to the body (20) by permanent connection means (8), the permanent connection means permitting the cover (7) to move relative to the body (20) between a closed position, in which the cover (7) closes access to the internal volume (V), and an open position, in which the cover (7) protrudes from the body (20) but opens access to the internal volume (V); said body (20), said fastening members (3, 4), said cover (7) and said permanent connection means (8) are shaped and / or dimensioned such that said cover (7), in said open position, contributes to forming a support area and / or a gripping portion that allows a person to lean on said cover (7) and / or to lift themselves towards an evacuation exit of said vehicle by gripping said cover (7), The device (1) comprises the following devices arranged in the internal volume (V): - flexible and uncoilable ladders (60); a handle (61) fixedly attached or articulated to the body (20), - hook (62), - ring (63), - a breathing mask, and - Assisted breathing block, A device comprising one or more of the following:

20. A device (1) for assisting emergency evacuation of vehicles as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that the cover (7) is articulated to the body (20) and the permanent connection means (8) comprise at least one hinge (80) connecting the body (20) and the cover (7).

21. A device (1) for assisting emergency evacuation of vehicles according to any one of claims 19 and 20, characterized in that the permanent connection means (8) comprise at least one means (81) for maintaining the cover (7) in the open position.

22. A device (1) for assisting emergency evacuation of a vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the case (2) is provided with a lock (9) which can alternately adopt an activation configuration designed to maintain the cover (7) in the closed position and an inactivation configuration designed to be able to move the cover (7) to the open position.

23. 23. A device (1) for assisting emergency evacuation of a vehicle according to claim 22, characterised in that it comprises a member (11) for controlling the lock (9) so as to control the transition of said lock (9) from an activated configuration to a deactivated configuration.

24. A device (1) for assisting emergency evacuation of a vehicle as claimed in claim 23, characterised in that the control member (11) comprises a manually actuatable part (12) for manually controlling the transition of the lock (9) from an activated configuration to a deactivated configuration.

25. A device (1) for assisting emergency evacuation of a vehicle as claimed in claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the control member (11) comprises an impact sensing element (13) connected to or forming part of the lock (9) for automatically transferring the lock (9) from an activated configuration to a deactivated configuration when the case (2) is subjected to an impact.

26. A device (1) for assisting emergency evacuation of vehicles according to claim 25, characterized in that the impact sensing element (13) comprises, on the one hand, a first piece (14) connected to or forming part of the lock (9) and, on the other hand, a connection device (15) ensuring a fixed connection between the first piece (14) and the body (20) designed to release under the effect of a predefined displacement of the first piece (14) relative to the body (20).

27. 27. The device (1) for assisting emergency evacuation of vehicles according to claim 26, characterized in that the fixed connection provided by the connection device between the first piece (14) and the body (20) is a magnetic connection.

28. the connecting device (15) comprises at least one first bolt (17A) movable between a deployed elastic return position and a retracted position, and a first striker (19A) with which the first bolt (17A) engages in the deployed position to ensure the fixed connection between the first piece (14) and the body (20); 27. The device (1) for assisting emergency evacuation of a vehicle according to claim 26, characterized in that the first bolt (17A) is designed to be pushed back into the retracted position under the effect of the predetermined displacement of the first piece (14) relative to the body (20) so as to disengage from the first striker (19A) and release the fixed connection.

29. said connection device (15) comprising at least one releasable piece ensuring said fixed connection between said first piece (14) and said body (20); 27. A device (1) for assisting emergency evacuation of vehicles as claimed in claim 26, characterized in that the releasable piece is designed to be released under the effect of the predetermined displacement of the first piece (14) relative to the body (20), thus releasing the fixed connection.

30. A device (1) for assisting emergency evacuation of a vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 29, characterized in that the case (2) comprises at least one elastic element (10) exerting a force on the cover (7) to return to the open position.

31. A device (1) for assisting emergency evacuation of a vehicle as described in any one of claims 19 to 30, characterized in that the cover (7) has at least one first surface (S1) while the body (20) has at least one second surface (S2) located within the internal volume (V), the first surface (S1) being positioned substantially contiguous with the second surface (S2) when the cover (7) is in the open position.

32. said body (20) comprising a bottom (20A) and a side wall (20B) rising from said bottom (20A) between a lower edge fixed to said bottom (20A) and a free upper edge (200) defining an opening providing access to said internal volume (V); A device (1) for assisting emergency evacuation of a vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 31, characterized in that the cover (7) is designed in the closed position to extend in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the side wall (20B) in order to block the access opening, and in the open position to extend in a second plane substantially perpendicular to the first plane.

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