CONNECTION ELEMENT FOR INFRARED VISION EQUIPMENT

Abstract

LINKING ELEMENT FOR INFRARED VISION EQUIPMENT This document relates to a linking element (10) comprising a first part (20a) and a second part (20b) manufactured by additive manufacturing, the first part (20a) comprising a first frame (21a) intended to be fixed to one of two parts, the second part (20b) comprising a second frame (21b) intended to be fixed to the other of two parts, the first part (20a) comprising at least one first half-arm (23) extending from the first frame (21a) in a linking direction (X), each of said at least one first half-arm (23) comprising a tubular cavity (25) housing at least one portion (26) of a second half-arm (24) of the second part (20b), the second half-arm (24) extending from the tubular cavity (25) to the second frame (21b) in the linking direction (X),an elastomer (30) being annularly intercalated in the tubular cavity (25) between the first half-arm (23) and the second half-arm (24). Abstract figure: Figure 3,

Description

Title of the invention: CONNECTING ELEMENT FOR INFRARED VISION EQUIPMENT Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connecting element manufactured at least in part by additive manufacturing. It also relates to infrared vision equipment comprising such a connecting element. Prior art

[0002] [Fig.l] schematically represents an infrared vision equipment 1, for example long-range multispectral binoculars, allowing observation in the dark. The infrared vision equipment 1 comprises, arranged in a housing 2, an optical module 3, a detection module 4, a processing unit 5, and at least one display screen 6 intended for a user. The optical module 3 is configured to transmit infrared radiation to the detection module 4 which in return transmits a signal to the processing unit 5. The processing unit 5 is configured to process the received signal and to control said at least one display screen 6 in order to display an image corresponding to the received signal.

[0003] More specifically, the detection module 4 comprises an infrared detector and a cooling device, also called a cold machine, intended to cool the infrared detector, in order to maintain the latter conventionally at a temperature below 150 degrees Kelvin. For this purpose, it is known to use a Stirling effect cooling device comprising pistons. Such a cooling device generates vibrations and noise during operation, which can harm the acoustic discretion of the infrared vision equipment.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to attenuate the vibrations and noise generated by infrared vision equipment while ensuring its compactness.

[0005] The invention aims to provide a simple, reliable and economical solution to this need. Summary

[0006] Thus, the present document proposes a connecting element between two parts. The connecting element comprises a first part and a second part manufactured by additive manufacturing. The first part comprises a first frame extending along a first plane, the first frame being intended to be fixed to one of the two parts. The second part comprises a second frame extending along a second plane arranged opposite the first plane, the second frame being intended to be fixed to the other of the two parts. The first part comprises at least one first half-arm extending from the first frame in a connecting direction. Each of said at least one first half-arm comprises a tubular cavity housing at least a portion of a second half-arm of the second part, the second half-arm extending from the tubular cavity to the second frame in the connection direction. An elastomer is annularly interposed in the tubular cavity between the first half-arm and the second half-arm.

[0007] Such a connecting element makes it possible to provide a damping effect between the two parts, while being compact, for example for an application in a cluttered environment. Indeed, on the one hand, thanks to the damping connection, between the first frame and the second frame, formed by the half-arms and the elastomer, the connecting element can attenuate possible vibrations between the two parts. On the other hand, the implementation of the assembly formed by the first part and the second part of the connecting element by additive manufacturing offers the possibility of producing the assembly in a single piece, which makes it possible to limit the number of components and the size of the connecting element for achieving the damping effect.

[0008] In particular, the first part may comprise a plurality of first half-arms each housing a second half-arm of a plurality of second half-arms of the second part. For example, the connecting element may comprise three or four first half-arms and second half-arms.

[0009] The assembly is preferably made in one piece. By made in one piece is meant that the components of the assembly, in particular the first and second frames, and the half-arms are not made separately and then assembled. The second half-arm can thus be directly housed, at least in part, in the tubular cavity of the first half-arm when producing the assembly.

[0010] Advantageously, the assembly cannot be dismantled.

[0011] The first part and the second part of the connecting element are preferably made of a metallic material, for example an aluminum alloy.

[0012] The elastomer (or TPU: thermoplastic polyurethane) is preferably made of an injectable type material. The hardness of the elastomer can advantageously be adjusted according to the desired damping.

[0013] The first half-arm and the second half-arm can form a non-removable assembly.

[0014] The second half-arm can be fully housed in the tubular cavity of the first half-arm.

[0015] The first plane and the second plane are preferably substantially parallel to each other.

[0016] The connection direction may preferably be perpendicular to the foreground and / or the background plane.

[0017] The tubular cavity may have a substantially constant thickness between the first half-arm and the second half-arm. The elastomer may thus have a substantially constant thickness.

[0018] The tubular cavity may have a shape configured to ensure retention of the second half-arm in the connection direction. Different shapes may be envisaged to allow the second half-arm to be locked in the tubular cavity.

[0019] For example, the tubular cavity may have, at at least one end in the connection direction, a conical shape with an axis in the connection direction, the apex of the conical shape being oriented towards the inside of the tubular cavity. The tubular cavity may in particular comprise such a conical shape with two opposite ends in the connection direction. This conical shape makes it possible to reinforce the compression behavior of the connection element. Indeed, the conical shape makes it possible to make the connection element work in compression in the context of a stress in the connection direction.

[0020] The tubular cavity may have a biconical shape arranged substantially in the middle of the two opposite ends of the tubular cavity in the connection direction. The biconical shape makes it possible to improve the compression behavior of the connection element.

[0021] It is possible to implement other shapes of the tubular cavity, for example a shoulder shape, a cylindrical shape, or even a spherical shape.

[0022] The first half-arm may comprise an orifice passing through a wall of the first half-arm and opening on the one hand into the tubular cavity and on the other hand outside the first half-arm. The orifice makes it possible to facilitate the injection of the elastomer between the first half-arm and the second half-arm.

[0023] The orifice may be oriented radially or be inclined relative to the connection direction. In particular, the orifice may be located substantially in the middle of the tubular cavity in the connection direction. This makes it possible to improve the homogeneity of the filling of the tubular cavity by the elastomer.

[0024] The connecting element may comprise a lattice connecting the first frame and the second frame. The lattice serves in particular as a support for the production of the connecting element during its manufacture by additive manufacturing.

[0025] The first part may advantageously comprise a first lattice extending from the first frame in the connection direction and the second part may comprise a second lattice extending from the second frame in the connection direction.

[0026] The first lattice and the second lattice may be disjoint.

[0027] More precisely, the first lattice and the second lattice result from an initial lattice connecting the first frame and the second frame, the initial lattice being machined in order to separate the first lattice from the second lattice. The initial lattice serves in particular as a support for the production of the last frame between the first frame and the second frame in the direction of fa construction by additive manufacturing. Such an initial lattice makes it easier to produce the connecting element by additive manufacturing.

[0028] The geometry of the meshes of the lattice results in particular from a compromise between the good realization of the support function of the last frame, and the mass of the lattice.

[0029] The first lattice and the second lattice may be connected to each other by a plurality of flexible strips. The flexible strips may correspond to remaining portions of the initial lattice, after machining thereof. The flexible strips make it possible to provide a spring effect between the first frame and the second frame. Adapting the dimensioning of the flexible strips makes it possible in particular to adjust the stiffness between the first part and the second part of the connecting element, in particular according to the direction of connection. For this purpose, it is possible to adapt the number of flexible strips and the geometry of each of the flexible strips.

[0030] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates to equipment comprising the connecting element as previously described, a first part mounted to the first frame and a second part mounted to the second frame. In addition, the first frame and / or the second frame may be arranged around at least a portion of the first part or the second part.

[0031] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates to infrared vision equipment comprising the connecting element, a detection module and an optical module. The detection module is mechanically secured to one of the first frame or the second frame and the optical module is mechanically secured to the other of the first frame or the second frame.

[0032] More specifically, the detection module may comprise an infrared detector and a cooling device, a housing of the infrared detector being attached to a housing of the cooling device in an attachment zone. The first frame or the second frame of the connecting element is attached to the housing of the infrared detector or to the housing of the cooling device, preferably near the attachment zone between the housing of the infrared detector and the housing of the cooling device. The other of the first frame or the second frame is attached to the optical module, for example via a support structure.

[0033] Such infrared vision equipment offers the advantage of reducing vibrations and noise, in particular generated by the cooling device, thanks to the damping effect of the connecting element. In addition, the production of the connecting element by additive manufacturing makes it possible to limit its mass and to guarantee its compactness.

[0034] In addition, the connecting element may be arranged around at least a portion of the infrared detector housing. The connecting element may comprise an internal bearing surface intended to bear on the infrared detector housing, for example for centering the infrared detector housing. This makes it possible to reinforce the alignment between the detection module and the optical module.

[0035] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of additive manufacturing of the connecting element as previously described. The method comprises the following steps: - produce the first part and the second part of the connecting element by additive manufacturing, in particular using a powder bed fusion process, - inject the elastomer into the tubular cavity between the first half-arm and the second half-arm.

[0036] When the connecting element comprises an initial lattice, the method may comprise, following the injection of the elastomer, a step of separating the initial lattice into a first lattice and a second lattice. Brief description of the drawings

[0037] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on analyzing the attached drawings, in which:

[0038] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates a view of infrared vision equipment;

[0039] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a partial view of an example of a connecting element according to this document mounted on a detection module;

[0040] [Fig. 3A and 3B] schematically illustrate a view of an exemplary connecting element according to the present document and an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the exemplary connecting element;

[0041] [Fig. 4A and 4B] schematically illustrate a view of another example of a connecting element according to the present document and an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the example of a connecting element;

[0042] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates a method of manufacturing the connecting element according to the present document. Description of the embodiments

[0043] Reference is now made to [Fig. 2] schematically representing a partial view of an example of a connecting element 10 according to the present document mounted to an example of a detection module, preferably implemented in infrared vision equipment as previously described with reference to [Fig. 1]. The infrared vision equipment comprises in particular an optical module (not shown in [Fig. 2]), the connecting element 10 being mounted on the one hand to the detection module and on the other hand to the optical module.

[0044] More specifically, the detection module may comprise an infrared detector 7 and a cooling device 8, a casing of the infrared detector 7 being fixed to a casing of the cooling device 8 in a fixing zone by fixing means 9, for example by means of fixing screws. On the one hand, the connecting element 10 is attached to the housing of the infrared detector 7 or to the housing of the cooling device 8, preferably near the attachment area between the housing of the infrared detector 7 and the housing of the cooling device 8. On the other hand, the connecting element 10 is attached to the optical module, for example via a support structure (not shown in [Fig.2]).

[0045] In addition, the connecting element 10 is in particular arranged around at least a portion of the casing of the infrared detector 7. The connecting element may in particular comprise an internal bearing surface intended to bear on the casing of the infrared detector, for example for centering the casing of the infrared detector. This makes it possible to reinforce the alignment between the detection module and the optical module.

[0046] Figures 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B illustrate examples of connecting element 10 according to the present document. The connecting element 10 comprises a first part 20a and a second part 20b manufactured by additive manufacturing, for example according to a powder bed fusion process. The first part 20a and the second part 20b of the connecting element 10 are preferably made of a metallic material, for example of an aluminum alloy.

[0047] The first part 20a comprises a first frame 21a extending along a first plane 22a, the first frame 21a being intended to be fixed to one of the detection module or the optical module. The second part 20b comprises a second frame 21b extending along a second plane 22b arranged opposite the first plane 22a, the second frame 21b being intended to be fixed to the other of the detection module or the optical module. The first plane 22a and the second plane 22b are in particular substantially parallel to each other.

[0048] In particular, the detection module is mechanically secured to one of the first frame 21a or the second frame 21b and the optical module is mechanically secured to the other of the first frame 21a or the second frame 21b. The first frame 21a or the second frame 21b is then fixed to the casing of the infrared detector or to the casing of the cooling device. The other of the first frame 21a or the second frame 21b is fixed to the optical module, for example by means of a support structure.

[0049] The first part 20a comprises at least one first half-arm 23 extending from the first frame 21a in a connection direction X. Each of said at least one first half-arm 23 comprises a tubular cavity 25 housing at least one portion 26 of a second half-arm 24 of the second part 20b, the second half-arm 24 extending from the tubular cavity 25 to the second frame 21b in the connection direction X. In other words, the first half-arm and the second half-arm form a connection arm extending in the connection direction X between the first frame 20a and the second frame 20b. The connection direction X is preferably perpendicular to the first plane 22a and / or to the second plane 22b.

[0050] In particular, the first part 20a may comprise a plurality of first half-arms 23 each housing a second half-arm of a plurality of second half-arms 24 of the second part 20b. For example, the connecting element 10 may comprise three or four first half-arms and second half-arms.

[0051] An elastomer 30 is annularly interposed in the tubular cavity 25 between the first half-arm 23 and the second half-arm 24. The elastomer is preferably made of an injectable type material. The hardness of the elastomer can advantageously be adjusted according to the desired damping.

[0052] Such a connecting element makes it possible to provide a damping effect between the detection module and the optical module, while being compact. Indeed, on the one hand, thanks to the damping connection, between the first frame and the second frame, formed by the half-arms and the elastomer, the connecting element can attenuate possible vibrations and noise, in particular generated by the cooling device. On the other hand, the implementation of the assembly formed by the first part and the second part of the connecting element by additive manufacturing offers the possibility of producing the assembly in a single piece, which makes it possible to limit the number of components and the size of the connecting element for achieving the damping effect. The production of the connecting element by additive manufacturing thus makes it possible to limit its mass and to guarantee its compactness.

[0053] The assembly formed by the first part and the second part is preferably made in one piece. By made in one piece is meant that the components of the assembly, in particular the first and second frames, and the half-arms are not made separately and then assembled. The second half-arm 24 can thus be directly housed, at least in part, in the tubular cavity 25 of the first half-arm 23 during the production of the assembly.

[0054] The first half-arm and the second half-arm can form a non-dismountable assembly. Indeed, additive manufacturing makes it possible to produce a non-dismountable assembly of components connected to each other, without requiring an additional assembly step. This makes it possible to reduce the mass and size of the connecting element, to facilitate its production, and to reduce the associated manufacturing costs.

[0055] The second half-arm 24 can be fully housed in the tubular cavity 25 of the first half-arm 23.

[0056] The tubular cavity 25 may in particular have a substantially constant thickness between the first half-arm 23 and the second half-arm 24. The elastomer may thus have a substantially constant thickness.

[0057] The tubular cavity 25 may have a shape configured to ensure retention of the second half-arm 24 in the connection direction X. Different shapes may be envisaged to allow the blocking of the second half-arm in the tubular cavity.

[0058] For example, the tubular cavity 25 may have, at at least one end along the connection direction X, a conical shape 251a with an axis along the connection direction X, the apex of the conical shape being oriented towards the inside of the tubular cavity 25. The tubular cavity 25 may in particular comprise such a conical shape 251a, 251b with two opposite ends along the connection direction X. This conical shape makes it possible to reinforce the compression behavior of the connection element 10. Indeed, the conical shape makes it possible to make the connection element work in compression in the context of a stress along the connection direction X.

[0059] The tubular cavity 25 may have a biconical shape 252 arranged substantially in the middle of the two opposite ends of the tubular cavity 25 in the connection direction X. The biconical shape makes it possible to improve the compression behavior of the connection element 10.

[0060] It is possible to implement other shapes of the tubular cavity 25, for example a shoulder shape, a cylindrical shape, or even a spherical shape.

[0061] The first half-arm 23 may comprise an orifice 27 passing through a wall of the first half-arm 23 and opening on the one hand into the tubular cavity 25 and on the other hand outside the first half-arm 23. The orifice 27 makes it easier to inject the elastomer between the first half-arm 23 and the second half-arm 24.

[0062] The orifice 27 may be oriented radially (as illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 4B) or be inclined relative to the connection direction X. In particular, the orifice 27 may open substantially in the middle of the tubular cavity 25 along the connection direction X. This makes it possible to improve the homogeneity of the filling of the tubular cavity by the elastomer. Indeed, during the injection of the elastomer, the latter may flow in two opposite directions along the connection direction X.

[0063] The connecting element 10 may comprise a lattice connecting the first frame 21a and the second frame 21b. The lattice serves in particular as a support for the production of the connecting element during its manufacture by additive manufacturing.

[0064] Alternatively, the first part 20a of the connecting element 10 may comprise a first lattice 40a extending from the first frame 21a in the connecting direction X and the second part 20b may comprise a second lattice 40b extending from the second frame 21b in the connecting direction X.

[0065] More specifically, the first lattice 40a and the second lattice 40b result from an initial lattice connecting the first frame and the second frame, the initial lattice being machined in order to separate the first lattice from the second lattice. The initial lattice serves in particular as a support for the production of the last frame between the first frame and the second frame according to the manufacturing direction by additive manufacturing. Such an initial lattice makes it possible to facilitate the rea additive manufacturing of the connecting element. The geometry of the meshes of the lattice results in particular from a compromise between the correct realization of the support function of the last frame, and the mass of the lattice.

[0066] As illustrated in Figure 3A, the first lattice 40a and the second lattice 40b may be connected to each other by a plurality of flexible strips 41. The flexible strips may correspond to remaining portions of the initial lattice, after machining thereof. The flexible strips make it possible to provide a spring effect between the first frame and the second frame, which makes it possible to further attenuate vibrations and noise between the detection module and the optical module.

[0067] Adapting the dimensioning of the flexible strips makes it possible in particular to adjust the stiffness between the first part and the second part of the connecting element, in particular according to the connecting direction. To this end, it is possible to adapt the number of flexible strips and the geometry of each of the flexible strips.

[0068] Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 4A, the first lattice 40a and the second lattice 40b may be disjoint.

[0069] According to another aspect illustrated in [Fig.5], the present disclosure relates to a method of additive manufacturing of the connecting element as previously described. The method comprises the following steps: - producing El by additive manufacturing the first part 20a and the second part 20b of the connecting element 10, - inject E2 the elastomer 30 into the tubular cavity 25 between the first half-arm 23 and the second half-arm 24.

[0070] The method may comprise, following the injection E2 of the elastomer, a step E3 of separating the initial lattice into the first lattice and the second lattice.

Claims

Claims

1. Infrared vision equipment (1) comprising a connecting element (10) between two parts, the connecting element (10) comprising a first part (20a) and a second part (20b) manufactured by additive manufacturing, the first part (20a) comprising a first frame (21a) extending along a first plane (22a), the first frame (21a) being intended to be fixed to one of the two parts, the second part (20b) comprising a second frame (21b) extending along a second plane (22b) arranged opposite the first plane (22a), the second frame (21b) being intended to be fixed to the other of the two parts, the first part (20a) comprising at least one first half-arm (23) extending from the first frame (21a) in a connecting direction (X), each of said at least one first half-arm (23) comprising a tubular cavity (25) housing at least a portion (26) of a second half-arm (24) of the second part (20b),the second half-arm (24) extending from the tubular cavity (25) to the second frame (21b) in the connection direction (X), an elastomer (30) being annularly interposed in the tubular cavity (25) between the first half-arm (23) and the second half-arm (24), the equipment (1) comprising an optical module (3) and a detection module (4), the detection module (4) being mechanically secured to one of the first frame (21a) or the second frame (21b), the optical module (3) being mechanically secured to the other of the first frame (21a) or the second frame (21b).,

2. Connecting element (10) according to claim 1, in which the tubular cavity (25) has a shape configured to ensure retention of the second half-arm (24) in the connecting direction (X).

3. Connecting element (10) according to claims 1 or 2, in which the tubular cavity (25) has, at at least one end, a conical shape (251a, 251b) with an axis along the connecting direction (X), the apex of the conical shape (251a, 251b) being oriented towards the interior of the tubular cavity (25).

4. Connecting element (10) according to claims 1 to 3, in which the first half-arm (23) comprises an orifice (27) passing through a wall of the first half-arm (23) and opening on the one hand into the tubular cavity (25) and on the other hand outside the first half-arm (23).

5. A connecting element (10) according to claims 1 to 4, wherein the first part (20a) comprises a first lattice (40a) extending from the first frame (21a) in the connection direction (X) and the second part (20b) comprises a second lattice (40b) extending from the second frame (21b) in the connection direction (X).

6. A connecting element (10) according to claim 5, wherein the first lattice (40a) and the second lattice (40b) are disjoint.

7. A connecting element (10) according to claim 5, wherein the first lattice (40a) and the second lattice (40b) are connected to each other by a plurality of flexible strips (41).

8. Method for additive manufacturing of the connecting element (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising the following steps: - producing (El) by additive manufacturing the first part (20a) and the second part (20b) of the connecting element (10), - injecting (E2) the elastomer (30) into the tubular cavity (25) between the first half-arm (23) and the second half-arm (24).

9. Method according to the preceding claim, comprising, following the injection (E2) of the elastomer (30), a step of separation (E3) of an initial lattice of the connecting element extending between the first frame (21a) and the second frame (21b), into a first lattice (40a) of the first part (20a) extending from the first frame (21a) in the connecting direction (X) and a second lattice (40b) of the second part (20b) extending from the second frame (21b) in the connecting direction (X).

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