Method for protecting an electronic container, and associated electronic container, measurement system and

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for protecting an electronic receiving chamber, comprising the following steps: injecting at least one liquid or semi-liquid filling product into the receiving chamber (1) via at least one first injection opening provided in one of the walls of the receiving chamber; stopping the injection of the product when the product is present in at least a portion of at least one first orifice and / or at least a portion of at least one second orifice provided in one of the walls of the accommodation cavity, and curing the product. The invention also relates to a corresponding accommodating chamber, a measuring system and an aircraft.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for protecting an electronic box.

[0002] The invention also relates to an electronic box protected in the aforementioned manner.

[0003] The invention also relates to a tire pressure measurement system comprising such an electronic box.

[0004] The invention also relates to an aircraft equipped with such a measurement system. BACKGROUND

[0005] In the field of aviation, it is known to use one or more pressure measurement sensors to measure the pressure of the tires of an aircraft landing gear. The data generated by these sensors is transmitted to a computer located away from the landing gear by at least one electronic box with which the pressure sensors communicate by a radio link.

[0006] Such a box is generally arranged in a sensitive area of the aircraft, for example in a compartment of the aircraft fuselage intended to house at least one of the landing gears.

[0007] Whatever the location on the aircraft at which such a box is arranged, it is subjected to severe environmental and mechanical stresses.

[0008] Thus, in order to protect the aircraft in the event of failure of the box, such a box must meet a number of different constraints (resistance to lightning, resistance to explosion, etc.). Furthermore, the protection device(s) provided to meet such constraints must not interfere with the radio link between the pressure sensors and the box.

[0009] This requires the use of large connectors and / or mechanical parts in the design of the box in order to ensure that the electrical clearances and high dielectric levels between the various electronic components in the box are met.

[0010] This considerably increases the size of the box.

[0011] This also means that the box must meet the explosion resistance constraint.

[0012] A first technique for achieving this is to use an explosion-proof box. The design of an explosion-proof box is intended to withstand an explosion occurring inside it and to prevent the surrounding combustible material from being ignited. An explosion-proof box must also ensure that the temperature outside it (surface temperature) remains below a temperature sufficient to ignite the surrounding material.

[0013] However, such a box is very bulky.

[0014] A second technique consists in protecting the box by a purge system which provides a protective gas around and / or inside the box in order to limit the presence of flammable gas around and / or inside the box.

[0015] However, the purge system is relatively complex and requires the addition of a gas supply source.

[0016] It is possible to consider the use of an intrinsically safe circuit (the energy being limited so that the circuit cannot provide enough energy to cause a fire or an explosion).

[0017] Unfortunately, this technique is difficult to apply in the aeronautical field since the box is directly powered by the electrical network of the aircraft.

[0018] Object of the invention

[0019] The object of the present invention is notably to solve at least part of the problems mentioned above. Summary of the invention

[0020] To this end, according to the invention, a method for protecting an electronic box is provided, comprising the following steps: - injecting at least one liquid or semi-liquid filling material inside the box through at least one first orifice provided on one of the walls of the box, - stopping the injection of the filling material when the first orifice is at least partially filled with the filling material, and, if the box has one or more additional orifices provided on one or more of the walls of the box, and when the one or more additional orifices are also partially filled with the filling material, - solidifying the filling material.

[0021] Thus, the filling material fills most of the (or even all of the) gaps present inside the box and also limits or even eliminates the presence of air bubbles inside the box.

[0022] This prevents the presence of gases inside the box which could be ignited during the use of the box and in the presence of a flame or a spark.

[0023] Thus, the invention makes it possible to effectively protect an electronic box and thus better maintain its performance.

[0024] Moreover, the invention has the advantage of being easy to implement.

[0025] Furthermore, the invention makes it possible to obtain a protected box which is relatively compact in volume.

[0026] It should be noted that the box thus protected is simple in structure. It is also very compact. It thus complies with the constraints in terms of electrical insulation, lightning resistance and explosion resistance in environments, in particular in confined spaces. Advantageously, even if the box explodes, the solidified filling material limits or even eliminates the risk of material splashing into the environment surrounding the box.

[0027] Furthermore, the application makes it possible to significantly reduce the electrical clearances and leakage paths inside the electronic box compared with the electronic boxes of the prior art.

[0028] By "liquid" or "semi-liquid" filling material, we mean any filling material that is sufficiently fluid to flow inside the box when it is injected. Thus, the filling material can be a resin or a foam. It should also be noted that the filling material must have solidification properties once it has been injected into the box.

[0029] Optionally, the method comprises the additional step of removing one of the walls of the box after the filling material has solidified, in order to replace said one of the walls with a wall that defines an air gap between the wall and the solidified filling material inside the box.

[0030] Optionally, the filling is a resin and / or a foam.

[0031] Optionally, the resin is an elastomer resin and / or a silicone resin and / or an epoxy resin.

[0032] Optionally, the resin is an RTV resin.

[0033] Optionally, the filling is composed of at least two different sub-products.

[0034] Optionally, the method comprises the step of pre-degassing the resin before it is injected into the box.

[0035] Optionally, the filling material is solidified by heating the box.

[0036] The application also relates to an electronic box comprising a plurality of walls that together define a containment cavity, at least one additional aperture being pierced through at least one of said walls, said containment cavity also being at least partially filled with a filling.

[0037] Optionally, the box comprises a substrate on which at least one antenna is mounted, said substrate being mounted on one of the walls of the box so that said antenna is oriented towards this wall.

[0038] Optionally, the box comprises at least one seal that is compressed between the substrate and the wall that carries it, and that surrounds the antenna from the outside.

[0039] The present application also relates to a tire pressure measurement system comprising a box as described above.

[0040] The present application also relates to an aircraft equipped with a measurement system as described above.

[0041] Other characteristics and advantages of the present application will become clear on reading the following description of particular and non-limiting embodiments of the application.

[0042] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] With reference to the drawings, in which: [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 A first step of a box protection method according to a particular embodiment of the application is schematically illustrated; [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 A second step following the first step illustrated is schematically illustrated; Figure 1 [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 An end phase of the second step illustrated is schematically illustrated; Figure 2 [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 Subsequent steps following the second step illustrated are schematically illustrated; Figure 2 [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 Is a rear view of an electronic box protected by the method of the steps illustrated; Figures 1 to 4 [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 Is a front view of the electronic box illustrated; Figure 5 [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 Is a schematic view of an aircraft comprising the electronic box illustrated; Figure 5 [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 Is a side view of a lower cover of the box illustrated; Figure 1 [ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 Is a side view of a permanent lower cover of the box illustrated. Figure 4 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] With reference to the drawings, in which:

[0045] and Figures 1 to 6 and Figure 8 and Figure 9 ​​​​​​​A method for protecting an electronic box 1 according to a particular embodiment of the application will now be described.

[0046] At the end of this first step, the box 1 comprises a housing 2 having two main faces connected by a lateral rim. Figure 1 In the first step illustrated, the box 1 is first assembled. However, at least one of the components making up the box 1 at this time is a temporary component.

[0047] This temporary component is used only during the protection method of the box 1 and is then removed from the box at the end of each step of the method. Thus, when the box 1 is put into service, this temporary component is no longer present.

[0048] At the end of this first step, the box 1 comprises a housing 2 having two main faces connected by a lateral rim.

[0049] For example, the housing 2 is composed of three parts, including a shell 3, a first cover (or upper cover) 4 mounted on the top of the shell 3, and a second cover (or lower cover) 5 mounted on the bottom of the shell 3.

[0050] Thus, the shell 3 constitutes the lateral rim of the housing 2, the upper cover 4 constitutes the upper main face of the housing 2, and the lower cover 5 constitutes the lower main face of the housing 2.

[0051] The shell 3 is for example made of a metallic material. The shell 3 is for example in the shape of a closed frame. This frame is constituted by a series of walls, for example by at least four walls. In this case, the shell 3 has four walls that are two by two parallel. Here, the shell 3 forms a cuboid on the outside.

[0052] The lower cover 5 is preferably a temporary component. Thus, it is used only during the protection method and is not part of the box 1 when it is put into service. The lower cover 5 is generally in the shape of a plate. The lower cover 5 is placed on the lower side of the frame formed by the shell 3 so as to close the lower part of the shell 3.

[0053] The upper cover 4 is generally in the shape of a plate. The upper cover 4 is placed on the top of the frame formed by the shell 3 so as to close the upper part of the shell 3. The upper cover 4 is optionally made of a material that allows radio waves to pass through, so as to enable radio wave communication between the inside and the outside of the box 1. The upper cover 4 is for example made of a plastic material.

[0054] By way of example, the covers 4, 5 are fixed to the shell 3 by screwing, gluing, etc.

[0055] The housing 2 thus defined is generally in the shape of a cuboid.

[0056] The housing 2 thus defined is hollow and thus defines an accommodation cavity 6 inside.

[0057] This accommodation cavity 6 accommodates inside at least one substrate carrying at least one electronic component. By way of example, these substrates are fixed to the housing 2 by screwing, gluing, etc.

[0058] For example, the substrate is a printed circuit board. The electronic components are etched directly on at least one printed circuit of said circuit board, or are fixed on said circuit board (for example by soldering).

[0059] In this case, the housing cavity 6 comprises a first substrate 7 carrying at least one first electronic component, and at least one second substrate 8 carrying at least one second electronic component.

[0060] The first substrate carries a radio frequency antenna 9. In this case, the first substrate is also a printed circuit board. In the following, the first substrate will be referred to as radio frequency board 7.

[0061] Here, the radio frequency board 7 is carried by the upper cover 4. Preferably, the radio frequency board 7 is carried by the upper cover 4 in a manner that it is engaged with the upper cover 4.

[0062] Optionally, a recess 10 is provided on the surface of the upper cover 4 facing the interior of the housing cavity 6, so as to house the radio frequency antenna 9 of the radio frequency board 7 within the recess when the radio frequency board 7 is fixed to the upper cover 4.

[0063] This reduces the risk of the radio frequency antenna 9 being damaged or its operation being disturbed.

[0064] The performance and reliability of the radio frequency antenna 9 are thus maintained.

[0065] More preferably, the box 1 comprises at least one sealing member 12 which is compressed between the radio frequency board 7 and the upper cover 4. For example, a recess 11 is provided on the upper cover 4, the sealing member 12 being at least partially arranged within the recess.

[0066] Here, the sealing member 12 is arranged to externally surround the radio frequency antenna 9 when the radio frequency board 7 is fixed to the upper cover 4. It will thus be understood that the recess 11 is arranged to externally surround the recess 10 on the upper cover 4.

[0067] The sealing member 12 also completely surrounds the radio frequency antenna 9. It will thus be understood that the recess 11 forms a closed path on the upper cover 4.

[0068] The radio frequency antenna 9 is thus enclosed within the recess 10 between the upper cover 4 and the radio frequency board 7 and surrounded by the sealing member 12, so as to be well protected.

[0069] The sealing member 12 is for example a gasket. By way of example, the gasket can be a silicone-based gasket. The gasket is for example made of a sealant, for example a polymeric sealant, such as a silicone-based sealant. Optionally, at least the upper cover 4 and the radio frequency board 7 are maintained in a compressed state with respect to each other (for example by at least one clamp, at least one mechanical gripper, etc.) until the time required for the gasket to cure.

[0070] This greatly reduces the risk of the filling injected in the subsequent step being able to come into contact with the radio frequency antenna 9.

[0071] By way of example, the second substrate 8 carries one or more components for powering the box 1 and / or for exchanging data with the outside. Here, the second substrate 8 is also a printed circuit board. Preferably, the second substrate 8 is connected to the radiofrequency board 7 by at least one board-to-board connector 13 (also arranged inside the housing cavity 6).

[0072] Here, the second substrate 8 is carried by the lower cover 5. Preferably, the second substrate 8 is carried by the lower cover 5 by one or more spacers 14. By this, there is a play between the second substrate 8 and the lower cover 5. Thus, the second substrate 8 does not directly contact the lower cover 5, but is connected to it only by the spacers 14.

[0073] This makes it easier to remove the lower cover 5 (which is currently a temporary lower cover), as will be explained below.

[0074] Furthermore, the second substrate 8 carries a connector 15 which extends through an orifice 16 provided in one of the lateral edges of the box 2 (i.e. in one of the walls of the housing 3 in this case) to the outside of the box 2. Preferably, the connector 15 cooperates with the orifice 16 to ensure the sealing of the orifice 16 around the connector 15 (by the pins of the connector, the tight cooperation of the connector with the orifice, the provision of at least one gasket around the connector 15 and / or the orifice 16, etc.).

[0075] By way of example, the box 1 can be powered and / or communicated with via this connector 15.

[0076] Furthermore, at least one of the walls of the box 2 is provided with at least one first orifice 17 which serves as an injection orifice for the filling and / or for monitoring the injection of the filling into the interior of the box 2.

[0077] The first orifice 17 is optionally arranged in one of the walls of the housing 3, thus in one of the lateral edge regions of the box 2. By way of example, the first orifice 17 is provided in a lateral edge which is different from the lateral edge in which the orifice for the connector 15 is provided, for example in the lateral edge opposite said connector. The first orifice 17 is for example located in the centre of said lateral edge. By way of example, the first orifice 17 has a circular cross-section.

[0078] Furthermore, at least one of the walls of the box 2 is provided with at least one second orifice 18 which serves as an injection orifice for the filling and / or for monitoring the injection of the filling into the interior of the box 2. The diameter of the second orifice 18 can be the same, smaller or larger than that of the first orifice 17.

[0079] Here, the box 1 comprises only three orifices 17, 18, 22 which serve as injection orifices for the filling and / or for monitoring the injection of the filling into the interior of the box 2.

[0080] The second aperture 18 and the third aperture 22 are provided on at least one wall of the box 2. The second aperture 18 and the third aperture 22 are both provided on the same wall of the box 2. The second aperture 18 and the third aperture 22 are preferably provided on the same wall as the first aperture 17 or on an adjacent wall. The second aperture 18 and the third aperture 22 are arranged on one of the walls of the casing 3, i.e. in one of the lateral edge regions of the box 2. By way of example, the second aperture 18 and the third aperture 22 are provided on a lateral edge different from the lateral edge on which the aperture 16 housing the connector 15 is provided, for example on the lateral edge opposite said connector. The second aperture 18 and the third aperture 22 are for example circular in cross section. The second aperture 18 and the third aperture 22 are for example equidistant from the first aperture 17. By way of example, the second aperture 18 and the third aperture 22 are arranged closer to the upper cover 4 than the first aperture 17. The second aperture 18 and the third aperture 22 are for example symmetrically distributed along at least one axis of symmetry of the wall in question.

[0081] Optionally and non-limitingly, each substrate is carried by a wall of the box 2 that does not comprise the apertures 17, 18 and 22. In particular, the radio-frequency board 7 is fixed to a wall different from the wall that carries the apertures 17, 18 and 22.

[0082] After assembly of the cartridge 1 in a first step, thanks to the presence of the apertures as described above, it is possible to introduce the filler into the interior of the cartridge 1 in a second step (as shown in Figure 2 by way of example, in a localised manner.

[0083] To this end, the operator uses an injection system 20, the end of which introduces the filler into the interior of the cartridge 1 through at least one of the apertures 17, 18 and 22. By way of example, the injection system 20 is a syringe or any other device capable of performing this function.

[0084] The filler chosen is a fluid filler, i.e. a liquid or semi-liquid filler material.

[0085] In this way, even if the gaps in the interior of the cartridge 1 are small, the filler can be introduced into these gaps.

[0086] This reduces or even eliminates the presence of air bubbles or unfilled cavities in the interior of the cartridge 1 at the end of the second step.

[0087] In the example described, the filler is a resin.

[0088] The resin is chosen so as to have a viscosity suitable for filling small spaces. In particular, the resin has sufficient fluidity to fill all the gaps present in the interior of the cartridge 1. This ensures that there are no air bubbles or unfilled cavities in the interior of the cartridge 1 at the end of the second step.

[0089] The resin is also chosen so as to have a coefficient of expansion that is not too high so as not to damage the cartridge 1 when the resin is curing.

[0090] By way of example, the resin is a polymeric resin. By way of example, the resin is an elastomer-based resin and / or a silicon-based resin and / or an epoxy resin. Preferably, the resin is an epoxy resin.

[0091] Furthermore, the resin in the cartridge is an RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanizing Silicone Rubber) resin.

[0092] The resin can be a one-component resin or a multi-component resin (i.e. a mixture of several sub-resins and / or a mixture of at least one resin and at least several dispersed solids (solid and / or hollow microbeads, particles, powders, crystals, etc.).

[0093] The addition of dispersed solids to the resin makes it possible to: - reduce the density of the resin injected, and thus the weight of the resin injected into the cartridge 1, and / or - if the dispersed solids added are hollow and / or flexible, reduce the hardness of the resin in the cartridge (after curing as described below), thus enabling the resin to better adapt to the thermal conditions to which it is subjected, in particular in terms of thermal expansion.

[0094] By way of example, the resin is a two-component resin.

[0095] Optionally, the resin is a mixture of a first RTV sub-resin and a second RTV sub-resin. Optionally, the resin is a mixture of RTV 147A and RTV 147B sub-resins.

[0096] Optionally, the resin can be a two-component or multi-component resin comprising at least one silicon-based resin or at least one epoxy resin.

[0097] Optionally, the resin can be a two-component or multi-component resin comprising at least one epoxy resin and at least several dispersed solids. Optionally, the resin can be a two-component or multi-component resin comprising at least one silicon resin and at least several dispersed solids.

[0098] In this second step, the operator injects the resin into the cartridge 1 through one of the orifices while monitoring the other orifices. For example, the operator injects the resin through the orifice 17 while monitoring the orifices 18 and 22.

[0099] When the resin begins to rise in the orifices (here 18 and 22), the operator can stop injecting the resin.

[0100] The operator can decide to stop injecting the resin when one of the following conditions is met at each of the orifices concerned: a) the resin completely overflows the orifice, or b) the resin rises to the outer wall where the aperture opens, or c) the resin is only present in a partial area of the aperture but is visible from the outside (as shown by the eye in Figure 3 .

[0101] It can thus be understood that the operator must ensure that all the apertures (here 18 and 22) meet one of the conditions a, b, c before stopping the injection of resin, and that the condition met by each aperture is not necessarily the same.

[0102] In particular, the resin overflowing from the box 1 and visually visible in the aperture area indicates that the box 1 has been filled with resin.

[0103] It should be noted that the presence of the seal 12 and the recess 10 prevents the resin from coming into contact with the radiofrequency antenna 9. Thus, the resin, while protecting the box 1, does not interfere with the operation of the radiofrequency antenna 9.

[0104] These apertures advantageously make it possible to monitor the filling of the box 1 with resin at any time.

[0105] It should be noted that the sealing of the aperture 16 around the connector 15 reduces the risk of resin overflowing through this aperture 16 during this second step.

[0106] It should be noted that the volume of resin injected is greater than the volume that would be deposited if a strip were used for sealing. The volume of resin injected into the box 1 is, for example, at least 20 cm3, for example at least 40 cm3, for example at least 50 cm3.

[0107] The third step of the method is to cure the resin.

[0108] This curing step can be performed naturally at ambient temperature or accelerated by a step of heating the box, a step of cooling, a step of polymerization, a step of drying, a step of chemical reaction, etc., or by any known method of curing. It goes without saying that this step can be broken down into several stages of curing of the resin. For example, a first stage is to bring the filling into contact with water or a solvent, then a second stage is to cure naturally at ambient temperature. If the curing step is performed at ambient temperature (natural curing), its duration is optionally between 30 and 40 hours.

[0109] If the curing step is performed at a temperature higher than ambient temperature (forced curing), the box 1 is, for example, heated (for example by baking). The temperature to which the box 1 is heated is optionally between 80°C and 150°C.

[0110] At the end of this step, the resin is thus in a solid state.

[0111] At the fourth step (as shown in Figure 4Once the resin has cured, the operator removes the temporary wall (in this case only the lower cover 5).

[0112] The operator preferably replaces the temporary wall with one or more permanent walls; in this case, the operator installs a permanent lower cover 5'.

[0113] As shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the permanent lower cover 5' and the temporary lower cover 5 have different shapes. In fact, they are shaped so that the permanent lower cover 5' is able to define at least one air gap with the cured resin.

[0114] For example, the temporary lower cover 5 has a flat inner surface (constituting the inner wall of the containment cavity 6 of the box 2), while the permanent lower cover 5' has an inner surface with at least one recess 19. Since the cured resin has fixed itself on the flat surface of the temporary lower cover 5, it has a flat surface facing the flat inner surface of the temporary lower cover 5. When the temporary lower cover 5 is replaced with the permanent lower cover 5', the flat surface of the resin defines at least one air gap 21 with the recess.

[0115] Preferably, the permanent lower cover 5' is plate-shaped. The thickness of the permanent lower cover 5' is preferably the same as that of the temporary lower cover 5 (except in the area of the recess 19).

[0116] It is also preferable that the permanent lower cover 5' and the temporary lower cover 5 are identical, except for the presence of the recess 19 on the permanent lower cover 5'.

[0117] The recess 19 is small, which means that the air gap 21 is also small.

[0118] For example, the height of the recess 19 (defined along the thickness of the permanent lower cover 5') is between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, for example between 0.1 mm and 0.9 mm, for example between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, for example between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm.

[0119] The permanent lower cover 5' does not engage with the resin, which means that the resin can expand inside the box 1 if necessary.

[0120] This reduces the risk of breakage of the electronic components and / or the substrate when the box 1 is subjected to temperature variations during use, which cause the resin to expand.

[0121] Once the permanent lower cover 5' is fixed to the box 1 (for example by screwing, gluing, etc.), the box 1 is protected. The box 1 thus protected is as shown in Figure 4 .

[0122] Thanks to the presence of the resin, the box 1 is well protected to meet the constraints in terms of electrical insulation, lightning resistance and explosion resistance in environments, in particular in confined spaces. The box 1 advantageously also remains compact in volume.

[0123] Furthermore, the radiofrequency antenna 9 is not in direct contact with the resin, which means that its operation is not hindered by the resin.

[0124] This makes the box 1 highly reliable.

[0125] This box 1 can be used in a variety of different applications, for example in a pressure measurement system 101 for tyres 102, as described with reference to Figure 7 In this case, the box 1 is first connected to one or more tyre pressure sensors 103, which can or can not be part of the measurement system 101, and secondly to a computer located away from the tyres 102.

[0126] Optionally, for an aircraft 100 comprising a landing gear with tyres 102, at least one of said tyres 102 can be equipped with such a measurement system 101.

[0127] Needless to say, the application is not limited to the described embodiments, but covers any variants falling within the scope of the application as defined by the claims.

[0128] In particular, the shape of the box (casing and / or upper cover and / or lower cover, etc.) can be different from that described above. The casing can comprise a different number of parts from that described above; for example, it can comprise only two parts assembled together.

[0129] The number of monitoring and / or injection orifices can be different from that described above. The box can even have only one orifice (for example in the case of always injecting the same volume or weight of filler, using vacuum injection, etc.). The method can comprise a different number of steps from those described above. For example, although in the present embodiment the resin is injected directly, the method can comprise a preliminary step of degassing the resin (which can be carried out before or simultaneously with the first step of assembly of the box as shown). This further reduces the risk of the presence of air bubbles in the box at the end of the protection method. Figure 1

[0130] Although in the present embodiment a temporary lower cover is used at the start of the protection method, a permanent lower cover can be used at the start of the protection method.

[0131] As an alternative or in addition to the temporary lower cover, at the start of the protection method the box can have at least one other temporary wall, which is optionally replaced by a permanent wall, which optionally forms at least one air gap in common with the rest of the box.

[0132] ​Preferably, at the end of the protection method, the box should have at least one air gap so that the filler can expand freely inside it (along at least one expansion axis). This prevents or reduces the mechanical stress to which the components inside the box are subjected.

[0133] The air gap can be defined as described above by removing the temporary cover and replacing it with a permanent cover of different shape, or by other means. For example, at least one wall of the box (optionally the lower cover) can comprise on its inner surface at least one layer of compressible material (e.g. sponge, foam, etc.). The air gap is then formed inside said layer, since the layer can deform to allow the filler to expand freely inside the box. It will thus be understood that the wall with the layer of compressible material can be directly the permanent wall assembled as in the first step. The box can comprise at least one seal different from the one described above, e.g. at least one seal arranged between the housing and at least one cover, a seal around the connector aperture after the connector is mounted inside the box, etc. The seal can be a gasket, e.g. made of a sealing tape. The sealant forming the tape can be a polymeric sealant and / or a silicone-based sealant.

[0134] Although in the present embodiment the injection is performed in a single step, the injection can be performed in several steps. For example, a first injection can be performed, then a waiting time can be waited for, and at least a second injection can be performed. The waiting time optionally between 5 minutes and 60 minutes, e.g. between 10 minutes and 50 minutes, e.g. between 20 minutes and 40 minutes. For example, the operator can perform a first injection until the filler is seen in at least one aperture, wait for a certain time (e.g. the waiting time ), and then perform a second injection of the filler.

[0135] The filler can be a foam instead of a resin. By way of example, the foam can be a viscoelastic foam and / or a memory foam. For example, the foam can be the foam sold under the name Ecofoam. In this case, the curing step is divided into at least two phases: a first phase is a chemical reaction phase (in which the foam swells by contact with the ambient humidity), and a second phase is a curing phase (in which the wet foam cures by contact with the ambient air).

[0136] The filler can be in the form of dispersed solids (powder, crystals, microbeads (solid and / or hollow), granules, etc.) instead of a resin and / or a foam. For example, the filler can be cork granules or crystals based on silica aerogel (e.g. the crystals sold under the name Kwark (registered trademark)).

[0137] Although in the present embodiment only one type of filler is injected, it is conceivable to inject several types of fillers simultaneously or successively into the box to protect it. For example, it is possible to inject first a foam, then a resin and / or a first foam, then a second foam and / or a first resin, then a second resin.

[0138] The box can be different from the above, for example an electronic box without radiofrequency antenna. Whether or not it has a radiofrequency antenna, the box can be an ATEX (explosive environment) box, i.e. a box that complies with the ATEX directive.

[0139] Although in the present embodiment the filler injection step is performed by an operator, it can be performed in an automated manner by an automatic filling system.

[0140] Although in the present embodiment the decision to stop the filler injection step is taken by an operator, it can be performed in an automated manner. For example, the injection can be performed by an automatic filling system that delivers a predetermined amount of filler into the box. By way of example, the presence of filler in the orifice can be detected by an optical sensor, a presence sensor, etc., so as to stop the injection.

[0141] Thus, the filling can be performed automatically by at least one dispenser arranged on the robot (with or without automatic stop function).

[0142] Although in the present embodiment the electrical connection between the two circuit boards is achieved by at least one board-to-board connector, the electrical connection between the two circuit boards can also and / or alternatively be achieved by at least one electrical wire and / or at least one electrical cable.

Claims

1. A method for protecting an electronic housing, comprising the following steps: - Inject at least one liquid or semi-liquid filler into the interior of the box body (1) through at least one first orifice (17) provided on one of the walls of the box body (1); - When the first orifice is at least partially filled with the filler material, and if the housing has one or more additional orifices disposed on one or more walls of the housing, and when the one or more additional orifices are also partially filled with the filler material, the injection of the filler material is stopped. - Allow the filler material to cure. The method is defined such that at the end of the protection method, there is at least one air gap between at least one wall of the box and the cured filler material within the box.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The method includes the following additional step: after the filler material is cured, one of the walls of the box (1) is removed so as to replace the one of the walls with a wall that defines an air gap (21) between the wall and the cured filler material inside the box.

3. The method as described in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The filler is resin and / or foam material.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The resin is an elastomer resin and / or a silicone resin and / or an epoxy resin.

5. The method as described in claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that, The resin is an RTV resin.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The filler consists of at least two different sub-products.

7. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, The method includes a step of pre-degassing the resin before it is injected into the housing (1).

8. The method as described in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The filling material is cured by heating the box (1).

9. An electronic housing comprising a plurality of walls that together define a receiving cavity (6), with at least one additional orifice penetrating at least one of the walls, the receiving cavity further being at least partially filled with a filler.

10. The box body as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The housing includes a substrate (7) on which at least one antenna (9) is mounted. The substrate is mounted on a wall (4) of the housing such that the antenna faces the wall.

11. The box body as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The housing includes at least one seal (12) which is pressed between the substrate (7) and the wall (4) supporting the substrate, and the seal surrounds the antenna (9) from the outside.

12. A system (101) for measuring tire (102) pressure, the system comprising a housing (1) as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. An aircraft (100) equipped with the measurement system (101) as claimed in claim 12.

Images