WO2007026100A1

WO2007026100A1 - Free fall simulator which can display a simulated visual environment

Info

Publication number: WO2007026100A1
Application number: PCT/FR2006/050822
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nicolas Gil; Olivier Basone
Original assignee: Nicolas Gil; Olivier Basone
Priority date: 2005-08-30
Filing date: 2006-08-29
Publication date: 2007-03-08
Also published as: AU2006286433A1; CA2620731A1; DE602006018170D1; ATE487522T1; EP1937381A1; FR2889969B1; RU2008112134A; EP1937381B1; US20090312111A1; JP2009506367A; CN101252974A; FR2889969A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a free fall simulator comprising aerogenerator means (1) and an essentially-cylindrical wind tunnel (2) for receiving people (3) in free fall. The wall (24) of the wind tunnel is made from a film of flexible material which is stretched taut using only two frames (28, 29) which are fixed to the ends of the wind tunnel (2) and to a superstructure (5) that is used to support the wind tunnel (2). The flexible film forming the wall (24) of the wind tunnel (2) is translucent and serves as a screen on which real or simulated images can be projected from the exterior of the tunnel (2) such as to be visible inside the tunnel (2). In a particular embodiment of the invention, the aerogenerator means (1) are disposed in a transport container (74) and the superstructure (5) of the simulator can be disassembled such that the simulator can be easily transported.

Description

FREE FALL SIMULATOR CAPABLE OF PRESENTING A SIMULATED VISUAL ENVIRONMENT

The present invention relates to a device for simulating free fall as practiced by the paratroopers by means of a vertical wind tunnel, ie means intended to maintain substantially stationary at least one person in a position of free fall in an upward vertical airflow. More particularly, the invention relates to a free-fall simulator comprising means for representing a simulated external visual environment during the simulated free fall.

The training of parachutists to freefall to learn and improve the movements and attitudes to be achieved during the free fall phase has long revealed the need for economic and safe means, independent of the meteorological conditions required for drop-offs. an airplane, to allow learning and training in all seasons.

Relatively simple means in which the skydiver is hooked to the body and limbs above the ground by means of elastic hangers have been made. These elastic suspension lines make it possible to place the parachutists in certain characteristic conditions of the fall by ensuring the separation of the ground in an attitude close to that of the free fall and while preserving the possibility of carrying out movements notably under the control or control of a instructor.

Such means, if they are economic, are however very far from being representative of the reality of the physical phenomena encountered during the free fall and do not allow the skydiver to feel the effects of the fall nor allow him to train correctly to control its position during the fall.

The vertical wind tunnels used in the aerodynamic research centers have inspired the developers of freefall simulators. Despite their relatively high costs, these vertical wind tunnels allow, when their power is sufficient, to ensure the stationary position of a parachutist in free fall condition in a stream of vertical aerodynamic flow in which the air flows from the bottom to the top of the vein and with speeds compatible with maintaining the parachutist in a stable vertical position, typically from 40 m / s to 70 m / s.

Different vertical wind tunnels of this type for fall simulator have been designed whose characteristics are variable according to the objectives of their designers. Thus some wind tunnels are of sufficient diameter and power to allow the simulation of the fall of two or three parachutists simultaneously for the purpose of training the figures made during the jumping competitions.

Examples of such free fall simulators have been found in US Pat. Nos. 348,493 or 2,094,162. Both of these patents disclose free fall simulators made according to the model of closed aerodynamic wind tunnels in which air, accelerated in the vein of the wind tunnel where the paratroopers evolve, follows a closed path between the exit of said vein and its introduction in the same vein after passing through the propeller or propellers that generate the aerodynamic flow. In these embodiments, the infrastructures of the wind tunnels are for example made of concrete and fixed because of their dimensions and their masses.

To equip skydiving centers at lower costs and also to make free fall simulators intended for the discovery of the sensation of free fall by the public in fairs and other places of entertainment, free fall simulators of construction more light and or transportable were imagined.

Examples of such embodiments are given in GB 2062557, which implements a closed aerodynamic wind tunnel architecture as in the examples cited above, or in patent application WO 83/01380 which operates in open aerodynamic vein, c. in which the air entering the vein is taken from the ambient air mass and is released at the outlet of the vein into the ambient air at the top of the simulator. All these simulators have more or less elaborate means to access the test vein but, apart from protective nets or upholstery of the walls of the aerodynamic vein in which the paratroopers in training, they do not ensure intrinsically the safety of people performing a simulated jump.

In the application WO 83/01380 already cited, the walls of the aerodynamic vein are made of a flexible material such as a fabric or a sheet of a transparent material, but rigid structures are arranged near the flexible walls of the vein aerodynamics to which these walls are connected by sails. This arrangement of the aerodynamic vein and its holding does not guarantee that the person moving in a state of free fall will not hit a rigid structure in case of impact against the wall of the flexible aerodynamic vein, let alone in case of failure flexible wall, for example a tear.

Despite the personal protections that are used, including helmets and special suits, incidents and accidents are not unusual when using all these types of fall simulators, even by people who regularly practice free fall.

To further improve the realism of the simulation, means of visual representation of the environment during the jump have been proposed to be associated with some of these vertical wind tunnels used as free fall simulators. US Patent 5655909 proposes to simulate the visual environment of the parachutist by means of screens on at least a portion of the aerodynamic vein in which the parachutist evolves when performing a simulated jump. The proposed solution is to replace a portion of the wall of the vein with an image presentation device with multiple screens, sometimes known as the image wall device. This type of device makes it possible to generate images on relatively large surfaces but has the drawbacks of presenting an image with lines forming a grid corresponding to the edges of the screens, of being very heavy and bulky, therefore of a difficult installation and also of place on the wall of the aerodynamic vein rigid structures, including screens and their indispensable supports. The consequences, if the person moving in the aerodynamic vein strikes the wall of said vein, are in this case aggravated by the fact that the system of visual representation of the environment makes it almost impossible to upholster the walls of the vein.

The present invention provides a jump simulator that is both easy to install and easy to implement, provides maximum security for users, and architecture that provides a visual representation of the 360-degree environment. during the simulated free fall.

More particularly, the free-fall simulator according to the invention comprises wind power generating means for generating an air flow of a speed compatible with the maintenance in a state of free fall of at least one person in an aerodynamic stream. substantially vertical axis consisting of a flexible material film, resistant and inelastic, such as a fabric having the shape of a tube only attached to two frames positioned at the ends of the tube, the flexible material film constituting the vein being stretched in the longitudinal direction of the tube by the only means of a holding superstructure to which frames are attached.

Preferably the aerodynamic stream wall is made in a single expandable panel flexible film closed on itself by means of a line of fasteners to form the tube of the aerodynamic stream.

Advantageously, said superstructure is of such dimensions that the flexible wall of the aerodynamic stream is sufficiently far away from any rigid element of the superstructure so that the person in a simulated fall state can not hit a rigid structure in the event of loss of control of his position. in the aerodynamic vein.

In a particular embodiment of the invention the wind generator means comprise at least one motor preferably located in a chamber, at least one propeller and a rectifier-diffuser.

Advantageously, the rectifier-diffuser is located at the upper part of the chamber containing the at least one motor and the superstructure maintains the aerodynamic vein vertically above and substantially in the axis of the rectifier-diffuser.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the air to be accelerated in the aerodynamic vein enters a chamber comprising the at least one motor by at least one opening made in a wall of the chamber.

For convenience of transport and simplification of assembly operations and / or disassembly of the simulator, the wind power generation means are advantageously installed in a fixed manner in all or part of a transport container.

In a particular form of the invention, the film made of flexible material constituting the wall of the aerodynamic vein is translucent and makes it possible, by acting as a screen, to project the outside of the vein with visible images from the inside of the the vein. Advantageously, images capable of simulating the visual effect of the free fall are projected by at least one projector located outside the vein or by a plurality of projectors making it possible to cover a visual field of 360 degrees in a horizontal plane. The projectors are advantageously attached to the superstructure for maintaining the aerodynamic vein.

In a particular embodiment of the simulator, the projected images incorporate in real time the image of at least one person filmed in a state of free fall in another free-fall simulator.

In a particular embodiment, the aerodynamic vein and other elements of the free-fall simulator are protected from the weather, and possibly from excessive light with regard to the penumbra necessary for a good contrast of the projected images, by means of cover such as a tarpaulin and or panels, which means advantageously take advantage of the aerodynamic vein holding superstructure while maintaining the conditions of openings or airtightness necessary for the correct aerodynamic operation of the simulator.

Control and control means are provided to monitor the operation of the free-fall simulator and the evolutions of the person in a state of free fall as well as to act on the operation of the simulator.

A detailed description of an embodiment of the invention is described with reference to the corresponding figures:

- Figures 1: general view of an embodiment of a simulator according to the invention and its main constituent parts; - Figure 2: view of the wind power generation means and skinned of the chamber comprising a motor;

- Figure 3: perspective view of an aerodynamic vein according to the invention and image projection means on the wall of the aerodynamic vein;

FIG. 4: view of a superstructure for maintaining the aerodynamic vein and external protection means;

FIG. 5: illustration of the means associated with the free-fall simulator. The detail a) presents an example of means of control and monitoring of the simulator.

The free-fall simulator according to the invention comprises wind generator means 1 capable of ensuring the acceleration of the air in an aerodynamic vein, an aerodynamic stream 2 of dimensions adapted to the evolutions of at least one person 6 in a situation of free fall, means 3 for generating real or simulated images of an external visual environment for the person moving in the aerodynamic vein, means 4 for controlling and controlling the wind tunnel and image generation means, a superstructure 5 able to maintain these various means and possible accessory means and to support means of protection vis-à-vis the external environment.

These different means are assembled for a fixed installation of the free fall simulator, where they are designed for simplified assembly and disassembly for the purpose of carrying out a traveling installation.

In the latter case, these means and said superstructure are made to ensure the transportability of the entire simulator for example in one or more containers whose dimensions are compatible with the traditional means of transport by road, rail, sea or by air.

The example of a given detailed description of a free-fall simulator according to the invention essentially corresponds to the case of a free-fall simulator having the capacity to be transported easily for simplified delivery and commissioning or for use itinerant in order to discover the freefall to the greatest number of people in skydiving clubs or in public events.

The wind power generator means 1 comprise at least one engine 10 whose power is calculated according to the mean section 23 of the aerodynamic stream 2 and the desired speed of the vertical flow of air into the vein. This motor or these motors 10 which are electric or thermal, drive, if necessary via reducers and or angle deflectors, not shown, one or more propellers 11 whose characteristics are also established from the characteristics of the aerodynamic vein 2 and characteristics of the desired aerodynamic flow. The determination of the total power required and the detailed characteristics of the propeller or propellers is a known means for the calculation of aerodynamic wind tunnels. For greater autonomy of the free-fall simulator, it is preferable to use one or more heat engines, for example diesel-type engines, capable of supplying powers of the order of 1000 KW which are necessary to drive the propeller (s). 11 of the blower of a simulator according to the invention. The number of propellers 11 and motors 10 is selected as a function of the average section 23 of the aerodynamic stream 2 and the power of the available engines. Economic criteria may also lead to the selection of less powerful engines in greater numbers for example.

The engine (s) 10 of the wind power generation means are installed in a chamber 12, which chamber 12 is designed to receive at its upper portion 13 the aerodynamic vein 2. The propeller (s) 11 are mounted with their axes of rotation 14 substantially vertical so to generate a flow of air 15 facing upwards. Advantageously, the air 15 thus accelerated is taken from the chamber 12 where the motor or motors 10 are located, which improves the cooling of all the motors 10 and any gearboxes.

At least one opening 17 is provided in the wall of the chamber 12 to allow the arrival of air 18 essential to the operation of the aerodynamic stream 2. In the case of the use of one or more heat engines, a or fuel tanks 70 are provided to provide the desired autonomy to the wind tunnel. These tanks 70 and the arrival hoses and fuel return are carried out in accordance with the rules of art and safety standards in force. For example, if the simulator is roaming, the fuel reserve is divided into several tanks 70 to not exceed a volume of 500 liters per tank, maximum allowed by certain standards for mobile installations, and the tank or tanks 70 are preferably isolated from the engine (s) 10 to limit the risks in the event of the beginning of fire. In particular fire and fire protection means (not shown in the figures) are installed as much as needs in the chamber 12 of the engine or engines.

Above the propeller (s) 11 is a diffuser-diffuser 19. This diffuser-diffuser 19 is intended to stabilize the aerodynamic flow 15 accelerated by the propeller (s) 11 which is particularly turbulent after passing through the propeller (s). . In a conventional manner this rectifier-diffuser 19 is made with a grid consisting of thin walls of a sufficient height so that the flow is stabilized during its crossing.

For ease of transport, the chamber 1 containing the engine (s) 10, the propeller (s) 11, optionally the diffuser rectifier 19 and possibly fuel tanks 70 in the case of the use of heat engines are advantageously installed in one or several containers of the size of road, rail, sea or air transport. Preferably, this or these containers are able to receive elements from other parts of the simulator, after their disassembly, to facilitate the transport of the fall simulator.

In a container of traditional dimensions that is approximately 3 meters wide, 12 meters long and 2.6 meters high, it is thus possible to make a chamber 1 with a length of about 4 meters and the width of the container, sufficient to contain the motor (s) 10, the propeller (s) 11 and the diffuser-diffuser 19. The remaining space is about 8 meters along the length of the container allows the installation or storage during transport of other means associated with the simulator .

Above the propeller (s) 11 and this diffuser-diffuser 19, in the extension thereof, is installed the aerodynamic stream 2 of vertical axis 20 in which the person or persons 6 in a situation of free fall. This vein 2 corresponds to a tube of substantially vertical axis, having one end base 21 and an upper end 22 and preferably substantially cylindrical or slightly conical flared upwardly. In this last preferred embodiment the upper end section 22 is larger than that of the lower end 21 to create in the aerodynamic vein 2 a negative speed gradient from the bottom upwards, gradient whose effect is favorable. the stability on the height position in the vein 2 of the person 6 in a state of free fall. The middle section 23 is preferably substantially circular but other sections are possible, for example elliptical sections or polygonal sections. For installation in a container with the road gauge of the chamber 12, the dimensions transverse to the aerodynamic flow 15 of the lower section 21 of the vein 2 are limited to about 3 meters. In this case the upper section 22 of the vein 2 has for example 3.6 meters in its transverse dimensions to the aerodynamic flow 15 and for example of the order of 4 meters in its useful height in the direction of the aerodynamic flow Between the lower and upper ends 21 and 22.

These relatively modest dimensions for a fall simulator have the advantage on the one hand to facilitate the realization of a transportable wind tunnel and on the other hand to participate in the safety of the person 6 in a simulated fall situation. Indeed, in the case where the person 6 in simulated fall in the vein does not correctly ensure the control of its position substantially in the center of the aerodynamic vein 2, a frequent situation with untrained persons, this person 6 has not, given the free flight distances in the aerodynamic vein 2, the time to acquire a high speed relative to the wall 24 of the vein 2 and protections at its upper ends 25 and low 26, even in case of significant accelerations, and, because of this, the risk of injury when in contact with the wall 24 or protections 25, 26 is greatly reduced because of the relative low speeds relative to the wall or these protections.

Another important feature of the aerodynamic vein 2 is its embodiment. In the present free-fall simulator, the side wall 24 of the aerodynamic vein 2 in which the persons 6 are moving in a state of free fall is produced by means of a film of flexible material. This film, for example a fabric chosen for its strength and stability dimensional, is assembled to form a tube whose length and perimeters at the ends correspond to those sought for the length of the aerodynamic vein 2 and the perimeters of its end sections 21, 22. There are now very strong fabrics and non-elastic in the area of intended use suitable for producing the vein such as fabrics made with synthetic fibers of materials such as polyesters or aramids, for example Dacron® or Kevlar®, widely used for aeronautical applications or for the manufacture of the sails of boats.

Preferably the tube forming the wall 24 of the aerodynamic stream 2 is made by means of a panel, said film of flexible material, developable and closed on itself to bring edge to edge the opposite sides of the panel substantially oriented along a generator of the tube. The contiguous edges are assembled by means of a line of fasteners 27 whose resistance is at least the same level as that of the film of flexible material. Thus, when the adjoining edges are not assembled, the film panel of flexible material can be folded flat and rolled, for example on a mandrel, for storage or transport, without the creation of fold that may damage the wall 24 or affect its appearance.

Fasteners, not shown, are for example made by means of zippers or laces passing through eyelets or hook fabrics such as Velcro® or combinations of these means.

Preferably, on at least the lower part of the fastening line 27, the fastening means are chosen to allow rapid opening and closing of the wall 24 to a height sufficient to allow the passage of the person 6 before or after a simulated jump.

Finally this film of flexible material is stretched between two end frames 28, 29 giving said film of flexible material the expected shape for the ends, respectively 21, 22, of the aerodynamic stream 2. These frames 28, 29 are made to the means of tubes or profiles made of metal or composite materials for example, whose shape and section are sufficient to ensure the rigidity and strength necessary to take up the tensioning forces in the flexible material film, including during the operation of the simulator. It is essential that there be no rigid structure close to the wall 24, let alone inside the aerodynamic vein 2. The tensioning and the maintenance of the fabric constituting the wall 24 of the aerodynamic vein 2 between its two end frames 28, 29 is made by connecting said frames 28, 29 to the superstructure 5 whose rigid elements are remote from the wall 24 of the aerodynamic stream 2 and which ensures the maintenance in the correct position of the frames end 28, 29. The lower frame 28 is fixed above or around the outlet of the diffuser 19 and so as to force the flow of air 15 accelerated by the one or more propellers 11 to penetrate into the aerodynamic stream 2. The upper frame 29 is attached to the upper part of the superstructure. Preferably, at least one of the two frames 28, 29 is fixed by means of tensioners, not shown, for example screw tensioners or hydraulic tensioners, which facilitate the assembly of the aerodynamic stream 2 and to apply to the film of flexible material the desired tensioning forces. In a particular embodiment of the elastic means, not shown, are interposed in series with the fasteners of at least one of the two frames to give the concerned frames the possibility of slight displacements in order to limit the forces in the flexible material film. case of shock in the aerodynamic vein 2 during its use. This architecture of the aerodynamic vein 2 allows, in addition to its relatively easy assembly and disassembly, to limit the risk of serious injury to the person 6 moving in a state of free fall in case of shocks against the wall 24, avoiding any possibility of contact with a rigid structure. In the choice of the resistance of the flexible material film used, the forces induced in said film are taken into account because of the risks of shocks in addition to the tension forces of the assembly and the forces related to the aerodynamic flows.

In one embodiment of the invention, another important feature of the wall 24 of the aerodynamic vein 2 is its ability to serve as an image projection screen. In this case the film of flexible material retained, in addition to its essential mechanical characteristics, is translucent so that images projected from outside the aerodynamic vein 2 on the outer face 35 of said vein are satisfactorily visible on the face interior 36 of the wall 24 of the vein by the person 6 in a state of free fall. Some films made of flexible materials made from fibers of synthetic materials already mentioned have sufficient translucency characteristics, without transparency or excessive opacity, to ensure this screen function.

To project on the wall 24 of the aerodynamic stream 2 a representation of the visual environment during the simulated fall at least one projector 31 is disposed outside the aerodynamic vein. The simulated environment is according to the desired effect more or less elaborate. For example, the projected image represents: a fixed image of the horizon, or; a vertically scrolling image of fixed forms, for example by means of a disc or a drum carrying the patterns to be projected and rotating behind a projector lens, or;

- the images of a film that can correspond to those of a real or imaginary free fall, or;

computer images calculated in real time according to the evolution of the person in a state of free fall, or; a combination of these images.

In the hypothesis of a use as attraction for the public, it is preferable to present attractive images and thus quite different from those actually perceived during a real jump of free fall at high altitude. For example it is possible to present images corresponding to a substantially horizontal displacement near the ground to give the person the impression of moving like a bird.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least three projectors are arranged around the aerodynamic vein to ensure a correct representation of the external environment 360 ° in the horizontal plane.

To improve the quality of the projected image, according to the number of projectors 31 and the distance between the projectors 31 and the wall 24 of the aerodynamic stream 2 serving as a screen, the projectors 31 have, if necessary, means for correcting the image. geometry of images, such as lenses 32 anamorphosors or images shaped before projection by electronic means 33 associated with the projectors 31 when using video projectors, to take into account the fact that the screen constituted by the wall 24 of the aerodynamic stream 2 is curved.

This arrangement of the image projection means 3, by placing the said means 5 outside the aerodynamic vein 2 and away from the wall 24 of the vein, avoids any risk of contact with hard objects during evolutions of the nobody 6 in a state of free fall.

In order to ensure the tension of the flexible material film constituting the aerodynamic vein 2 and the correct position of said vein, a superstructure 5 is disposed above the chamber 12 containing the wind generator means 1. This superstructure ensures the positioning and the maintaining the frames 28 and 29 located at the ends of the aerodynamic vein 2. Made for example with tubes or profiles 51 made of metal or composite materials it is calculated to withstand the longitudinal forces in the flexible material film of the aerodynamic stream 2 All parts of the superstructure 5 are sufficiently far away from the flexible wall 24 of the aerodynamic vein 2 so that under no circumstances can a person 6 evolving in the vein 2 and striking the flexible wall 24 thereof be able to come into contact with rigid parts of the superstructure 5 despite the deformations, inevitable but permissible under these circumstances, of the aerodynamic vein wall 2. By its dimensions this superstructure 5 takes into account the extreme case of a failure of the flexible wall 24 of the aerodynamic vein 2 and furthermore of the mattresses 52, for example with a foam filling, are if necessary arranged to protect particular areas against which the person 6 in a state of free fall could be made to have contacts.

In practice, it is recommended that the distance between the wall 24 of the aerodynamic stream 2 and the vertical uprights of the superstructure 5 is substantially at least equal to the average diameter of the aerodynamic stream 2, ie about 3 meters in the embodiment example. given detail of the invention.

Advantageously, this superstructure 5 supports means 53 for protecting the aerodynamic vein 2 and its associated means 1, 3, 4 of the environment, wind and rain in particular, when the free-fall simulator is not installed in a protected location such as inside a building. In addition these protection means 53 or other dedicated means are able to create around the aerodynamic vein 2 a dark enough environment to ensure sufficient contrast of the projected images on the translucent walls 24 of the vein 2 when the free fall simulator is equipped with means 3 for representing the external visual environment. These protection means 53 consist for example of more or less opaque panels attached to the superstructure or a tarpaulin of the type used for the realization of marquees intended for the reception of the public and resting on the superstructure 5 or on secondary structures (not shown).

For operation in a closed-loop aerodynamic wind tunnel, these protection means 53 resting on the superstructure 5 also cover the chamber 12 in which are installed the motors 10 or at least the opening or openings 17 of the chamber 12 through which the air 18 which is accelerated in the aerodynamic vein 2. In this case the space 54 between the wall 24 of the aerodynamic vein 2 and the wall of these protection means 53 serves as a circulation zone for the return of air between the outlet 22 of the vein and the openings 17 of the engine chamber. This space is therefore also sized to have a sufficient section so that the flow of air flowing in the wind tunnel can be assured without loss of excessive loads. A receiver adapted by its structure and its forms to direct the air coming out of the aerodynamic vein towards the sides and downwards around the aerodynamic vein 2 is disposed near the exit 22 of the vein, at its upper part.

For operation in an open aerodynamic stream wind tunnel, these protection means 53 protect the aerodynamic vein 2 and its ancillary elements 1, 3, 4. In all cases, these protection means 53 are designed so as not to interfere with the aerodynamic flow. arrival of the outside air to the opening or openings 17 of the chamber 12 of the engines. Above the aerodynamic vein 2, at the upper part of the protection means 53, one or more openings are provided to let the air leaving the aerodynamic stream 2 to the ambient air. This or these openings are preferably surmounted by a receiver 56 to prevent rain or foreign bodies, and possibly light, do not can enter the protected area of the aerodynamic vein 2 but without hindering the flow of air to pass to the open air.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the superstructure 5 is made with dimensions sufficient for the projectors 31 associated with the visual environment representation system 3 during the free fall to be fixed in a safe and stable manner with respect to the aerodynamic vein 2. The dimensions of the superstructure 5 are compatible with the positioning of the spotlight (s) 31 at a sufficient distance from the wall 21 of the aerodynamic stream 2 which serves as a projection screen so that this or these projectors 31 operate from satisfactory way. The precision and the stability of these projectors 31 are necessary so that the projected images are sufficiently stable and for the quality of the rendering of the whole of the scene notably in the connection areas of the images projected by the different projectors 31, when several projectors 31 are used.

In one embodiment, the superstructure consists of a set of beams 51 equipped with removable links 57, by bolting end caps (not shown) for example, in order to ensure the assembly and possibly the dismantling for its transport of the free fall simulator.

Other means necessary or useful for the operation, monitoring and control of the fall simulator are associated with the simulator.

The simulator comprises in particular at least one control and control station 4 which allows from a cockpit 41 of the simulator to monitor the parameters of the simulator and its equipment.

Among the important parameters to be monitored preferably, without this list being exhaustive, are displayed:

the temperatures: the air of the blower; c cooling water; c oil in engines and gears; the powers and rotational speeds at the output of the engine or motors or on the axis or axes of the propeller (s);

- the velocities of the flow in the aerodynamic vein. The control part comprises at least the means for controlling the power of the blower to act in particular on the speed of the flow of air in the aerodynamic vein, a speed which differs in particular according to the weight of the person 6 to maintain in state simulated free fall, and also includes control devices of safety-related devices, such as emergency stop commands or related to fire safety means.

Some of these control and control means can be automated.

Preferably, the free-fall simulator also comprises at least one surveillance camera 42 making it possible to observe the person 6 in the aerodynamic vein 2 by means of at least one video monitor 43 near the control and control station. Such a camera 42 is placed outside the part of the vein 2 or can evolve the person 60 in free fall state, for example in the upper part, above a protective net 25 which limits the useful upper position of the aerodynamic vein, or lower part, below a thread 26 which limits the useful lower position.

This camera 42 and or other cameras, associated or not, also serves if needs to record the evolutions of the person 6 in a state of free fall. The skydiver in training thus has the opportunity to review his simulated jump and to analyze his faults and the corrections of attitudes that he has to work. In fun applications, people who have performed a free fall simulation have the possibility to keep a recording in memory of their experience of free fall.

In a mode of use in which two or more free-fall simulators operate in a coordinated manner, on the same site or at remote sites, the images of the person 6 in free fall state in a simulator can be sent in real time means 3 for representing the simulated visual environment of the other simulators operating in a coordinated manner so that said images are inserted into the images projected in this or these other simulators. By this means, multi-person jump prints are simulated without the need for a large drop simulator and avoiding the risks inherent in multi-person jumps in the same wind tunnel vein. In a particular embodiment, other means 7 are associated with the free-fall simulator, for example means 71 for access to the aerodynamic vein 2, an area 72 for preparing people for the simulated fall, means 73 to wait for the public waiting for a simulated fall.

Claims

- Free fall simulator, to create a simulated free fall state for at least one person (6), comprising a wind power generation means (1), an aerodynamic vein (2) with a substantially cylindrical or slightly conical vertical axis in which evolves the at least one person in a state of free fall and a rigid structure for maintaining the aerodynamic vein (2), characterized in that the aerodynamic vein (2) is delimited laterally by a wall (24) of non-elastic flexible material maintained in tension between a lower rigid frame (28) and an upper rigid frame (29), in that the rigid holding structure is a superstructure (5) having rigid elements (51), said rigid elements being horizontally spaced from the wall ( 24) at least from the order of magnitude of the diameter of the aerodynamic vein (2) so that the person in a state of free fall can not be projected during actuation of the simulator, in contact with said rigid elements following a deformation of the wall (24) of flexible material or a passage through said wall of said person and in that the lower frame and the upper frame are maintained in relative positions by means of said superstructure.

free-fall simulator according to claim 1, the wall (24) of the aerodynamic vein (2) being made in a single expandable panel of the non-elastic flexible material film closed on itself by means of a line of fasteners ( 27) on two opposite edges of said panel to form the aerodynamic vein (2).

Free-fall simulator according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the lower rigid frame (28) and / or the upper rigid frame (29) are fixed to rigid elements (51) of the superstructure (5) by means of elastic tension devices. Free-fall simulator according to one of the preceding claims, in which the wind power generating means (1) comprise at least one motor (10) in a chamber (12), at least one propeller (11) and a diffuser-diffuser ( 19) at the upper part of the chamber (12).

- Simulator according to claim 4 wherein the superstructure (5) is positioned relative to the chamber (12) containing the at least one motor (10) to maintain the aerodynamic vein (2) above and substantially in the axis of the rectifier broadcaster (19).

- Simulator according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the chamber (12) comprises at least one opening (17) adapted to let in the air (18) necessary for the operation of the aerodynamic vein (2) in the chamber (12). ) containing the at least one motor (10);

- Simulator according to one of claims 4, 5 or 6 wherein the chamber (12), the at least one motor (10), the at least one propeller (11) and the rectifier-diffuser (19) are assembled in all or part of a container (74) suitable for transport.

Free-fall simulator according to one of the preceding claims, comprising projection means (3) for projecting images onto the wall (24) of the aerodynamic stream (2), said means (3) comprising projectors (31) located outside said aerodynamic vein (2) between the rigid structure for maintaining the aerodynamic vein (2) and the wall (24) of said vein, and wherein the flexible material film constituting the wall (24) of the aerodynamic vein (2) is translucent so that images projected on the outer face (35) of the wall (24) from outside the vein (2) are visible from inside the vein (2) on the inner face (36) of the wall (24) of said vein (2). - Free fall simulator according to claim 8 wherein the projectors (31) are fixed on rigid elements (51) of the superstructure (5) for maintaining the aerodynamic vein (2).

0- free fall simulator according to claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the projection means (3) simulate a visual environment in the aerodynamic stream (2) 360 degrees in a horizontal plane.

1- free fall simulator according to one of claims 8, 9 or 10 wherein the projection means (3) receive the images corresponding to at least one other person in simulated free fall state in at least one other fall simulator free, said images being inserted in real time in the projected images.

2- free fall simulator according to one of the preceding claims wherein the superstructure (5) maintains around the aerodynamic vein (2) means of protection (53) with respect to the external environment of the fall simulator.

3- free fall simulator according to claim 12 wherein the protection means (53) create around the aerodynamic stream (2) in the enclosure of said protection means (53), reduced brightness conditions compatible with the brightness projected images on the wall (24) of the aerodynamic vein (2).

4- free fall simulator according to claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the protection means (53) protect at least one zone (4) isolated from the aerodynamic stream (2) for a control and control station (41) fall simulator.

5. Fall simulator according to one of claims 12 to 14 wherein the protection means (53) consist at least in part of a substantially opaque canvas stretched over the superstructure (5).