Electronic card handling device, aircraft and associated process

Abstract

An electronic card (3) handling device (1) configured to allow the insertion and extraction of an electronic card (3) mounted in electronic equipment (2), the handling device (1) comprising a protective body in which a transport housing is formed, configured to receive the electronic card (3), the transport housing extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and comprising an access opening extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (X); at least one fastening member configured to fix the protective body to the electronic equipment (2) so as to position the access opening opposite the electronic card (3), at least one operating member (14) configured to cooperate with the electronic card (3) and to move said electronic card (3) along the longitudinal axis (X) within the transport housing for the purpose of transporting it. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Device for handling an electronic card, aircraft and associated method Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of on-board computers on aircraft, more precisely, the handling of an electronic card of a computer.

[0002] As is known, a computer on board an aircraft comprises a plurality of electronic cards which are expensive. During maintenance, an electronic card must be extracted from the computer. During its extraction, transport and storage, the electronic card must be protected against shocks and damage. For example, these shocks can be caused by turbulence experienced by the aircraft or by inattention on the part of an operator. In addition, the connection / disconnection of an electronic card is critical since it requires precise handling to avoid damaging the connectors of the electronic card and / or the computer. Handling an electronic card is thus time-consuming. It is also important to reduce manual contact with the electronic card, which could induce electrostatic effects that would damage the electronic card.

[0003] The invention thus aims to eliminate at least some of these drawbacks by proposing an electronic card handling device making it possible to extract, transport and store an electronic card securely.

[0004] Although the invention was originally born for the handling of an electronic card of an electronic computer of an aircraft, the invention applies more generally to the handling of any electronic card of any electronic equipment in any technical field. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention relates to a device for handling an electronic card configured to allow the insertion and extraction of an electronic card mounted in electronic equipment, the handling device comprising: • a protective body in which a transport housing is formed, configured to receive the electronic card extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising an access opening extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, • at least one fixing member configured to fix the protective body to the electronic equipment so as to position the access opening opposite the electronic card and • at least one operating device configured to cooperate with the electronic card electronics and for moving said electronic card along the longitudinal axis in the transport housing through the access opening in order to transport it, the operating member being configured to be manipulated from outside the transport housing.

[0006] Thanks to the invention, an electronic card can be extracted and stored securely and simply in a protective body without manual contact with the operator. The protective body can advantageously be positioned on the electronic equipment to guide and receive the electronic card. This advantageously makes it possible to use electronic cards without mechanical protection, therefore lighter. The presence of an operating member makes it possible to extract / insert the electronic card without manual contact while ensuring protection of the electronic card at all times, in particular during maintenance phases. Advantageously, the electronic card includes connectors which are accessible via the protective body of the handling device. This allows rapid maintenance of the connectors before mounting the electronic card in the electronic equipment.

[0007] According to one aspect, the electronic card comprising a support frame, the support frame comprising at least one member for locking the electronic card in position in the electronic equipment, the locking member having a front end on the front face of the support frame allowing the locking member to be manipulated, the protective body comprises at least one through opening configured to allow access to the front end of the locking member from outside the transport housing by an operator. Advantageously, the same locking member advantageously makes it possible to lock the electronic card in the electronic equipment and in the protective body of the handling device. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the handling device while avoiding any involuntary movement likely to damage the electronic card.Advantageously, the support frame helps dissipate the heat generated by the electronic card.

[0008] According to one aspect, the through opening extends along the longitudinal axis so as to facilitate handling of the front end of the locking member. When extracting the electronic card, the locking member translates directly into the through opening, which is practical. No additional handling is necessary. This advantageously makes it possible to lock the electronic card in the handling device, and thus to secure its transport.

[0009] According to one aspect, the operating member is independent of the transport housing. This advantageously allows more flexible use of the handling device. This makes it possible to limit the size of the handling device as well as the size of the electronic card when it is mounted in the electrical equipment. electronics.

[0010] According to one aspect, the handling device comprises at least one fixing member in the upper position and at least one fixing member in the lower position, preferably on either side of the protective body. This advantageously makes it possible to stably fix the handling device to the electronic equipment, ensuring precise alignment of the electronic card with the transport housing. This makes it possible to move the electronic card in the transport housing easily while ensuring collinearity of the handling device with the electronic card.

[0011] According to one aspect, the operating member is in the form of a rod with a hook-shaped head. Preferably, the handling device has a holding orifice configured to receive the head of the operating member. This provides additional security for transporting the electronic card safely. The shape of a hook rod advantageously allows the electronic card to be held while allowing it to be easily moved along the longitudinal axis.

[0012] Also presented is an assembly comprising a handling device as presented previously and an electronic card, the electronic card comprising a printed circuit and a support frame for the printed circuit, comprising at least one connecting member configured to cooperate with the operating member. Preferably, the support frame comprises more connecting members, in particular, on a front face of the support frame.

[0013] Preferably, the support frame comprises at least one locking member, having a front end, making it possible to retain or release the electronic card of electronic equipment, the handling device making it possible to lock and unlock the locking member via the front end. Preferably, the support frame comprises an upper locking member and a lower locking member in order to prevent any movement of the support frame.

[0014] According to one aspect, the connecting member of the electronic card comprises at least one connecting ring, the connecting ring having an internal diameter, the operating member having a diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the connecting ring. The operating member can thus be inserted into the connecting ring. The protective body comprises a guide slot allowing the operating member to move along the longitudinal axis in order to extract the electronic card.

[0015] There is also presented an assembly comprising electronic equipment comprising at least one receiving opening on a front face, the receiving opening opening towards a housing configured to receive an electronic card, the front face comprising at least one orifice for receiving a fixing member of the handling device, preferably at least two receiving orifices. This advantageously allows the handling device to be fixed in a stable manner, as presented previously.

[0016] According to one aspect, the assembly comprises at least two housings, the electronic equipment comprising an electronic connection circuit to which the electronic cards are connected when they are inside their housings, the electronic connection circuit connecting the electronic cards. This advantageously makes it possible to pool the computing power of each electronic card present in the electronic equipment. This allows the electronic cards to communicate with each other, and to carry out operations that are impossible to carry out for isolated electronic cards. The connection of the electronic cards also makes it possible to retain the cards in the electronic equipment and to maintain them along the longitudinal axis, protecting them from damage due to minor impacts.

[0017] According to one aspect, the electronic equipment comprises ventilation for each housing. This makes it possible to exploit the maximum power of the electronic cards without risking damaging them or damaging the electronic equipment due to the heat they give off.

[0018] Also presented is an aircraft comprising an assembly as presented previously.

[0019] A method for extracting an electronic card mounted in electronic equipment is also presented, the method comprising steps consisting of: • Fixing a handling device as presented previously, on the electronic equipment so as to position the access opening opposite the electronic card, and • The operating member cooperating with the electronic card, manipulate the operating member from outside the transport housing so as to move said electronic card along the longitudinal axis in the transport housing through the access opening in order to transport it.

[0020] There is also presented a method of inserting into electronic equipment an electronic card housed in a handling device as presented previously, the method comprising steps consisting of: • Fix the handling device on the electronic equipment so as to position the access opening opposite a reception opening, and • The operating member cooperating with the electronic card, manipulate the operating member from outside the transport housing so as to move said electronic card through the access opening along the longitudinal axis in the housing towards which the reception opening opens in order to use it in the electronic equipment. PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

[0021] The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given by way of example, and referring to the following figures, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects.

[0022] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of electronic equipment adapted to receive several electronic cards.

[0023] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of a handling device mounted on electronic equipment for extracting an electronic card.

[0024] [Fig. 3] is a schematic perspective representation of an electronic card according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0025] [Fig.4] is a schematic front view of the electronic board of [Fig.3].

[0026] [Fig.5] is a schematic perspective representation of a handling device.

[0027] [Fig.6] is a schematic front view of the handling device of [Fig.5].

[0028] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail for implementing the invention, said figures of course being able to serve to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The invention will be presented for electronic equipment comprising a plurality of electronic cards that may need to be replaced. Subsequently, the invention will be presented in an aeronautical context and the electronic equipment belongs to an aeronautical computer and is housed in a computer cabinet of an aircraft. In a known manner, a computer cabinet implements ARINC 600 type connectivity and is known to those skilled in the art.

[0030] With reference to [Fig.l], there is shown an electronic equipment 2 having a block shape. Subsequently, the electronic equipment 2 is defined in an orthogonal reference frame (X, Y, Z) in which the X axis extends longitudinally from front to back, the Y axis extends laterally from right to left and the Z axis extends vertically from bottom to top.

[0031] Still with reference to [Fig.l], the electronic equipment 2 comprises a front face 2A comprising twelve receiving openings 21 each configured to receive an electronic card and an upper face 2B. It goes without saying that the number of receiving openings 21 could be different, preferably between 4 and 16. The receiving openings 21 each open towards a housing 22 extending along the axis longitudinal X. Each housing 22 is configured to accommodate an electronic card 3 ([Fig.3]). For this purpose, each housing 22 comprises computer connectors (not shown) in a rear part which are configured to connect to computer connectors of the electronic card 3. Preferably, the electronic equipment 2 comprises an electronic connection card (not shown) on which the electronic cards 3 are connected when they are inside a housing 22, the electronic connection card connecting the electronic cards 3. This advantageously makes it possible to increase the total available computing capacity while pooling the data of each electronic card 3. The connection also makes it possible to maintain the electronic card 3 in position in the electronic equipment 2. Preferably, the electronic connection card is configured to be connected to the IT infrastructure of the aircraft.

[0032] Still with reference to [Fig.l], the electronic equipment 2 comprises a plurality of ventilation perforations 24 formed in the upper face 2B of the electronic equipment 2. This advantageously makes it possible to efficiently evacuate the heat generated by the electronic cards 3 present in each housing 22.

[0033] The structure of such electronic equipment 2 is known to those skilled in the art and will not be presented in more detail.

[0034] With reference to [Fig.2], a handling device 1 is shown according to one embodiment during the extraction of an electronic card 3 mounted in a housing 22 of the electronic equipment 2. The electronic card 3 then the handling device 1 will be presented.

[0035] With reference to [Fig. 3], an electronic card 3 is schematically represented. The electronic card 3 is substantially flattened in the plane (X, Z).

[0036] The electronic card 3 comprises a printed circuit 31 comprising a plurality of electronic components (not shown). In this example, the electronic card 3 has a generally rectangular shape with a projecting upper rear portion. As shown in [Fig. 3], the printed circuit comprises connectors 35, 36 to enable the electrical supply of the printed circuit 31 and / or the transmission of computer data. By way of example, a connector is a multi-signal electrical connector of a standard equivalent to the EN4165 or EN4644 standard.

[0037] The electronic card 3 further comprises a support frame 4 for supporting the printed circuit 31. The support frame 4 comprises in this example a front face 4A, a lower face 4B and an upper face 4C which respectively protect a front edge, a lower edge and an upper edge of the printed circuit 31. Preferably, the support frame 4 has a shape complementary to the housing 22 of the electronic equipment 2 in order to allow mechanical cooperation by complementing mentality of forms. In other words, the support frame 4 provides guidance in the housing 22.

[0038] In this example, the support frame 4 defines an upper T-shaped portion and a lower T-shaped portion to provide guidance along the longitudinal axis X while limiting the lateral movement along the lateral axis Y. It nevertheless goes without saying that the support frame 4 could have a different shape.

[0039] In this example, still with reference to [Fig. 3], the support frame 4 comprises two locking members 34 configured to lock or unlock the electronic card 3 when it is mounted in a housing 22 of the electronic equipment 2. In this example, a locking member 34 is positioned in the lower part to immobilize the lower face 4B of the support frame 4 and a locking member 34 is positioned in the upper part to immobilize the upper face 4C of the support frame 4.

[0040] Preferably, each locking member 34 is in the form of a device known to those skilled in the art by its English designation “card-lock”. It goes without saying that the locking member 34 could be in another form. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, each locking member 34 has a front end 34A which is accessible by an operator from the front face 4A of the support frame 4. In practice, it is sufficient for an operator to manipulate the front end 34A, for example by making a quarter turn, to lock or unlock the electronic card 3 in the housing 22. It goes without saying that other types of manipulation for locking / unlocking could be implemented.

[0041] In this example, with reference to Figures 3 and 4, the support frame 4 comprises three connecting members 33 configured to cooperate with the handling device 1. It goes without saying that the number of connecting members 33 could be different. In this example, the connecting members 33 are mounted on the front face 4A of the support frame 4. The connecting members 33 are offset vertically and, preferably, distributed vertically. Preferably, each connecting member 33 is in the form of a connecting ring configured to receive a control rod of an operating member as will be presented later. It nevertheless goes without saying that the operating member could be directly integrated into the support frame 4.

[0042] In this example, the use of connecting members 33 makes it possible to increase only slightly the size of a support frame 4. Each connecting ring has an internal diameter which is small, preferably between 4 and 6 mm, which avoids forming a projecting element of the electronic equipment 2 which could be caught by an operator.

[0043] With reference to [Fig. 5], an embodiment of a handling device 1 for an electronic card 3 is shown. This handling device 1 is configured to allow the insertion and extraction of an electronic card 3 mounted in the electronic equipment 2 but also its storage.

[0044] The handling device 1 is substantially flattened in the plane (X, Z). The handling device 1 comprises an IP protection body in which a transport housing 11 is formed for receiving the electronic card 3. The transport housing 11 extends along the longitudinal axis X and comprises an access opening 12, formed at the rear, extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0045] In this example, the IP protection body has a U-shaped section in a section plane (X, Y). The transport housing 11 is defined between the two branches of the U. The IP protection body advantageously comprises reinforcements 17 in order to increase its impact resistance, for example, U-shaped mechanical elements spaced vertically as illustrated in [Fig. 5]. The IP protection body comprises an upper guide slot 111 allowing the movement of the operating member along the longitudinal axis in order to extract the electronic card 3. In this example, the IP protection body also comprises a lower guide slot 111. Thus, the operating member can vertically pass through the transport housing 11 of the IP protection body.

[0046] Still with reference to [Fig. 5], the handling device 1 comprises two fixing members 13 configured to be fixed to the electronic equipment 2 so as to position the access opening 12 opposite the electronic card 3.

[0047] Preferably, the fixing member 13 comprises at its rear end a fixing screw and, preferably, at its front end, a handle. It goes without saying that the fixing member 13 could be in the form of another type of fixing, such as for example a magnet. For this purpose, with reference to [Fig. 1], the front face 2A of the electronic equipment 2 comprises several receiving orifices 23 configured to receive the fixing members 13. Preferably, several receiving orifices 23 are positioned around each receiving opening 21 of a housing 22.

[0048] Preferably, each receiving opening 21 has at least one upper receiving orifice 23 and one lower receiving orifice 23, positioned on either side of the receiving opening 21 in the lateral direction Y. The fixing members 13 of the handling device 1 are positioned correspondingly. In this example, with reference to [Fig. 5], the handling device 1 comprises at least one fixing member 13 in the upper position and at least one fixing member 13 in the lower position, preferably on either side of the IP protection body, in positions complementary to the receiving orifices 23 of the electronic equipment 2. This advantageously makes it possible to hold the handling device 1 stably to the electronic equipment 2. It goes without saying that the fixing of the handling device 1 to the electronic equipment 2 could be carried out in a different way.

[0049] Preferably, the IP protection body further comprises at least one through opening 15 allowing access to the front end 34A of the locking member 34 of the electronic card 3 from outside the transport housing 11 by an operator when the electronic card 3 is in the transport housing 11. In this example, as illustrated in [Fig. 6], the IP protection body comprises a through opening 15 in the upper position and a through opening 15 in the lower position. Preferably, the through opening 15 extends along the longitudinal axis X. This makes it possible to simply lock the electronic card 3 in the handling device 1 while using the same locking members 34.

[0050] According to the invention, the handling device 1 further comprises an operating member 14 configured to cooperate with the electronic card 3 and to move said electronic card 3 along the longitudinal axis X in the transport housing 11 through the access opening 12 in order to transport it.

[0051] Preferably, the operating member 14 is independent of the transport housing 11. The operating member 14 is furthermore configured to be manipulated from outside the transport housing 11.

[0052] In this example, the operating member 14 is in the form of a control rod having a rectilinear main part 141 and a hook-shaped head 142. It goes without saying that the operating member could be in another form, for example a claw or a linkage system. In this example, the operating member 14 has a section of constant diameter which is adapted to that of the connecting members 33. Advantageously, the hook-shaped head 142 makes it possible to suspend the operating member 14 from the upper edge of the IP protection body, in particular, at a front wall. Preferably, with reference to [Fig. 5], the handling device 1 comprises a holding orifice 16 configured to cooperate with the hook-shaped head 142 of the operating member 14 in order to avoid any involuntary movement of the operating member 14 and, consequently, of the electronic card 3.This advantageously makes it possible to hold the electronic card 3 precisely in the handling device 1 when the locking members 34 are not yet locked. Any damage is thus avoided.

[0053] According to one aspect, the electronic equipment 2 comprises a connecting member 33, of a shape complementary to the hook-shaped head 142. The hook-shaped head 142 of the operating member 14 can thus be folded back into this connecting member 33 once insertion has been carried out. This advantageously makes it possible to have an operating member 14 for each electronic card 3 and to be less sensitive to the loss of a operating member 14. This also makes it possible to better lock the position of the electronic card 3.

[0054] A method for extracting an electronic card 3 from an electronic device 2 by an operator will now be presented.

[0055] The operator begins by unlocking the locking members 34 of the electronic card 3 to be extracted. The electronic card 3 is then no longer held in the electronic equipment 2.

[0056] He then inserts the operating member 14 into the connecting rings of the electronic card 3 to be extracted in a vertical movement from bottom to top. The operator then mounts the handling device 1 to the electronic equipment 2, by screwing the fixing screws 13 into the receiving holes 23 of the electronic equipment 2. The access opening 12 of the handling device 1 is then opposite the electronic card 3 to be extracted and precisely aligned.

[0057] The operator then moves the electronic card 3 into the transport housing 11 by pulling the operating member 14 forward along the longitudinal axis X. The pulling of the operating member 14 is done uniformly on the top and bottom of the operating member 14 so as to disconnect the electronic card 3 from the electronic equipment 2 without damaging the connections. The electronic card 3 then enters the transport housing 11 via the access opening 12. During the translation, the electronic card 3 is guided in the IP protection body in a precise and secure manner. The operating member 14 is translated through the guide slots 111 while avoiding any direct contact between the printed circuit 31 and the operator.

[0058] When the electronic card 3 has reached the end of its travel, the operating member 14 is inserted into the holding orifice 16, so as to hold the electronic card 3 in a stable position. The operator then locks the locking members 34 of the electronic card 3, to which he has access via the through openings 15. The electronic card 3 can thus not move in the handling device 1. Any movement is thus prohibited, which reduces the risk of damage.

[0059] The operator then unscrews the fixing screws 13 to separate the handling device 1 from the electronic equipment 2. The operator can transport the electronic card 3 in his handling device 1 in complete safety.

[0060] A method of inserting an electronic card 3, housed in a handling device 1, into electronic equipment 2 by an operator will now be presented.

[0061] In a similar manner to previously, the operator begins by mounting the handling device 1 to the electronic equipment 2, by screwing the fixing screws 13 into the receiving holes 23. The access opening 12 of the handling device 1 is then opposite the receiving opening 21.

[0062] The operator then unlocks the locking members 34 of the electronic card 3, to which he has access via the through openings 15. The electronic card 3 can then move in the handling device 1.

[0063] He then manipulates the operating member 14 outside the holding orifice 16, so as to free the electronic card 3 from the constraints of the handling device 1 while maintaining control over its movement.

[0064] The operator then moves the electronic card 3 into the housing 22 by pulling the operating member 14 along the longitudinal axis X towards the rear. The pulling of the operating member 14 is done uniformly on the top and bottom of the operating member 14 so as to connect the electronic card 3 to the electronic equipment 2 without damaging the connections. When the electronic card 3 has reached the end of its travel, the electronic card 3 is optimally connected. The operator unscrews the fixing screws 13 and removes the handling device 1.

[0065] The operator then removes the operating member 14 from the connecting rings of the electronic card 3. He ends by locking the locking members 34 of the electronic card 3 in the electronic equipment 2.

[0066] These extraction and insertion methods allow the electronic card 3 to be handled without damaging it, in a safe and rapid manner, and can be implemented by inexperienced operators.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (1) for handling an electronic card (3) configured to allow the insertion and extraction of an electronic card (3) mounted in electronic equipment (2), the handling device (1) comprising: • a protective body (IP) in which a transport housing (11) is formed, configured to receive the electronic card (3), the transport housing (11) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and comprising an access opening (12) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X);• at least one fixing member (13) configured to fix the protective body (IP) on the electronic equipment (2) so as to position the access opening (12) opposite the electronic card (3) and • at least one operating member (14) configured to cooperate with the electronic card (3) and to move said electronic card (3) along the longitudinal axis (X) in the transport housing (11) through the access opening (12) in order to transport it, the operating member (14) being configured to be manipulated from outside the transport housing (11).;

2. Handling device (1) according to claim 1, the electronic card (3) comprising a support frame (4), the support frame (4) comprising at least one locking member (34) in position of the electronic card (3) in the electronic equipment (2), the locking member (34) having a front end (34A) on the front face (4A) of the support frame (4) allowing the locking member (34) to be manipulated, the protective body (IP) comprising at least one through opening (15) configured to allow access to the front end (34A) of the locking member (34) from outside the transport housing (11) by an operator.

3. Handling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, in which the operating member (14) is independent of the transport housing (11).

4. Handling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least one fixing member (13) in the upper position and at least one fixing member (13) in the lower position, preferably on either side of the protective body (IP).

5. Handling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operating member (14) is in the form of a rod with a hook-shaped head (142), preferably the handling device (1) having a holding orifice (16) configured to receive the head (142) of the operating member (14).

6. Assembly of a handling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5 and an electronic card (3), the electronic card (3) comprising: • A printed circuit (31), • A support frame (4) of the printed circuit (31), comprising: • at least one connecting member (33) configured to cooperate with the operating member (14), • at least one locking member (34), having a front end (34A), making it possible to retain or release the electronic card (3) from electronic equipment (2), the handling device (1) making it possible to lock and unlock the locking member (34) by the front end (34A).

7. Assembly according to claim 6, in which the connecting member (33) of the electronic card (3) comprises at least one connecting ring (33), the connecting ring (33) having an internal diameter, the operating member (14) having a diameter smaller than the internal diameter of the connecting ring (33), the operating member (14) being inserted into the connecting ring (33).

8. Assembly according to one of claims 6 to 7 comprising electronic equipment (2) comprising at least one receiving opening (21) on a front face (2A), the receiving opening (21) opening towards a housing (22) configured to receive an electronic card (3), the front face (2A) comprising at least one receiving orifice (23) for a fixing member (13) of the handling device (1).

9. Method for extracting an electronic card (3) mounted in electronic equipment (2), the method comprising steps consisting of: • Fix a handling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, on the electronic equipment (2) so as to position the access opening (12) opposite the electronic card (3), and • The operating member (14) cooperating with the electronic card (3), manipulate the operating member (14) from outside the transport housing (11) so as to move said electronic card (3) along the longitudinal axis (X) in the transport housing (11) through the access opening (12) in order to transport it.

10. Method for inserting into electronic equipment (2) an electronic card (3) housed in a handling device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, the method comprising steps consisting of: • Fix the handling device (1) on the electronic equipment (2) so as to position the access opening (12) opposite a reception opening (21), and • The operating member (14) cooperating with the electronic card (3), manipulate the operating member (14) from outside the transport housing (11) so as to move said electronic card (3) through the access opening (12) along the longitudinal axis (X) in the housing (22) towards which the reception opening (21) opens in order to use it in the electronic equipment (2).

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