Decompression hatch provided with an elastomer part for an aircraft and internal wall of an aircraft provided with such a decompression hatch.

Abstract

Decompression hatch provided with an elastomer part for an aircraft and internal wall of an aircraft provided with such a decompression hatch.- The decompression hatch (1) comprises a frame (5) provided with an opening (6) and a flap (7) connected to the frame (5) by a connection system (8) comprising at least one elastomer part (13) provided with a plurality of fixing elements (14) fixing together said part (13), the frame (5) and the flap (7), the flap (7) being capable of being brought from a closed position in which it completely closes the opening (6) to an open position (P2) in which it partially releases the opening (6) under the effect of a pressure difference between the two sides of the decompression hatch (1) in the event of rapid decompression, the elastomer part(s) (13) making it possible to obtain an effective decompression hatch (1), simple to produce, not using any complex mechanism and making it possible to return the flap (7) directly to its closed position when the pressure conditions allow it again. Figure for abstract: Fig. 3.

Description

Title of the invention: Decompression hatch provided with an elastomer part for an aircraft and internal wall of an aircraft provided with such a decompression hatch. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a decompression hatch for an aircraft and an internal wall of an aircraft provided with such a decompression hatch. State of the art

[0002] It is known that an aircraft, in particular a transport aircraft, has pressurized zones, in particular the cabin, in which a pressure is generated which is higher than the external pressure when the aircraft flies at high altitudes.

[0003] An aircraft generally comprises several zones which are separately pressurized, such as, for example, the cabin and the hold of a transport aircraft or the cargo zone and the mail zone for a cargo aircraft.

[0004] In the event of depressurization of one of the pressurized zones, generating a pressure difference between this zone subjected to depressurization and an adjacent pressurized zone, decompression hatches are generally provided in the separation wall(s) of these two adjacent zones, in particular to avoid damage to this or these separation wall(s) due to this pressure difference.

[0005] The purpose of such a decompression hatch is to provide protection in the event of rapid decompression, that is to say in the event of a rapid change in the pressure of a zone generating a pressure difference between two adjacent zones of the aircraft. Rapid decompression may be generated by a depressurization of a pressurized zone or by any other change in the pressure of the zone in question of the aircraft.

[0006] Generally, such a decompression hatch comprises a frame provided with an opening and a flap connected to the frame by a mechanical system. The flap is configured to be brought from a closed position in which it completely closes the opening to an open position in which it releases this opening, under the effect of a pressure difference between the two sides of the hatch, generated by the rapid decompression.

[0007] Decompression hatches can be made in different ways. However, all usual decompression hatches require a complex mechanism with many mechanical parts, intended to keep the flap in the closed position, to generate its movement when it is opened and to maintain it after its opening so that it remains connected to the wall in which it is installed.

[0008] The disadvantage of such a decompression hatch is that in the event of rapid decompression, it is necessary to return the flap to its closed position and to reset the holding and opening mechanism so that it is operational again.

[0009] There is therefore a need to find a solution to reduce and simplify operations on the decompression hatch, following rapid decompression. Statement of the invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is to propose a solution to meet the aforementioned need. It relates to a decompression hatch for an aircraft, said decompression hatch comprising at least: - a frame provided with an opening; and - a flap connected to the frame by a connecting system, the flap being capable of taking at least one of two positions: a closed position in which it completely closes said opening and at least one open position in which it at least partially releases the opening, said flap being capable of being brought from the closed position to the open position under the effect of a pressure difference between the two sides of the decompression hatch.

[0011] According to the invention, the shutter and the frame are configured to be superimposed on at least one superposition zone and the connection system comprises at least one elastomer part arranged on one of the faces of said superposition zone and provided with a plurality of fixing elements passing through and fixing together the elastomer part, the frame and the shutter.

[0012] Thus, thanks to this elastomer part connecting the flap to the frame, in the event of a pressure difference between the two sides of the decompression hatch, due to rapid decompression, the elastomer part is compressed, which generates a movement of the flap relative to the frame so as to bring it into its open position and to create a space between these two elements allowing air to pass through, which makes it possible to reduce said pressure difference and to limit the risks of damage to the separation wall.

[0013] Furthermore, when the pressure difference is reduced again, the elastomer part returns to its initial nominal shape (due to its intrinsic elasticity) thus returning the shutter to its closed position.

[0014] Therefore, no complex mechanism or mechanical system is used, either to bring the shutter into the open position, or to then return it to its closed position, in which it is, moreover, again directly operational and reusable.

[0015] Also, after a rapid decompression, no action or re-arming operation is necessary, except the simple verification of the decompression hatch.

[0016] Said decompression hatch also has other advantages specified below.

[0017] Advantageously, the decompression hatch is configured so that, when the pressure difference between the two sides of the frame of the decompression hatch, with a lower pressure on the side of the frame where the flap is arranged, exceeds a predetermined value, the elastomer part is compressed so as to generate a separation of the flap from the frame and thus create an air passage between the flap and the frame.

[0018] Furthermore, advantageously, each of said fixing elements passes through holes in the elastomer part, the frame and the shutter so as to allow them to slide on said fixing elements and to allow the shutter to be moved away from the frame, when the elastomer part is compressed under the effect of the pressure difference.

[0019] Furthermore, preferably, the decompression hatch is configured so that the air passage created, when the flap is in the open position, has a generally surface whose area is substantially equal to the area of the surface of said opening of the frame.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the elastomer part is a solid, elongated part, provided with a plurality of holes each intended to receive a fixing element. Advantageously, the elastomer part has one of the following shapes: a rectilinear shape, a curved shape.

[0021] Furthermore, in a particular embodiment, the flap has a rectangular shape and the decompression hatch comprises at least one pair of elastomer parts, identical and arranged along opposite sides of said rectangular shape.

[0022] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the decompression hatch comprises at least one metal plate provided with holes intended for the passage of the fixing elements, the metal plate being arranged on one face of the elastomer part, opposite that intended to come into contact with the superposition zone.

[0023] Furthermore, advantageously, the elastomer part is provided with a housing for receiving said metal plate.

[0024] The present invention also relates to an internal wall of an aircraft, intended to be arranged between two adjacent zones, in particular separately pressurized zones, of the aircraft.

[0025] According to the invention, said internal wall comprises at least one decompression hatch as described above.

[0026] The present invention further relates to an aircraft, in particular a transport aircraft, which comprises at least one decompression hatch as described above and / or at least one internal wall as mentioned above. Brief description of the figures

[0027] The attached figures will make it clear how the invention can be implemented. In these figures, identical references designate similar elements.

[0028] [Fig.l] is a partial perspective view of an internal part of an aircraft, showing a part of a wall provided with a decompression hatch according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0029] [Fig.2] shows a perspective view of a decompression hatch, with a flap in the closed position, seen from a first side.

[0030] [Fig.3] is a view similar to that of [Fig.2] with the shutter in the open position.

[0031] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the decompression hatch of [Fig.3], seen from a second side opposite said first side.

[0032] [Fig. 5] is an exploded perspective view of an elastomer part and elements for fixing this elastomer part.

[0033] [Fig.6] is a cross-sectional view of a decompression hatch with the flap in the closed position.

[0034] [Fig.7] is a view similar to that of [Fig.6] with the shutter in the open position.

[0035] [Fig.8] is a schematic perspective view of an aircraft comprising a wall equipped with a decompression hatch. Detailed description

[0036] The decompression hatch 1 making it possible to illustrate the invention and shown schematically, in a particular embodiment, in Figures 2 to 4, is intended to be mounted in an internal wall 2 of an aircraft 3, in particular of a transport aircraft, as shown partially and schematically in [Fig.8].

[0037] More specifically, the decompression hatch 1 is intended to be mounted in an internal wall 2 separating two adjacent zones of the aircraft, in particular two pressurized zones of the aircraft, which are pressurized separately, such as, for example, the cabin and the hold of a transport aircraft, or the cargo zone and the mail zone for a cargo aircraft.

[0038] In [Fig.l], a part of the interior 4 of the aircraft 3 is shown very schematically, with the internal wall 2 partially shown.

[0039] The decompression hatch 1 comprises, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, a frame 5 provided with an opening 6. The frame 5 may be a frame dedicated to the production of the decompression hatch 1, or, preferably, it may correspond to a part of the wall 2 around the opening 6, as in the example of Figures 2 to 4. In this example, the opening 6 is rectangular with a length L1 and a width L2 ([Fig.2]).

[0040] The decompression hatch 1 which is mounted in the internal wall 2 comprises also a section 7 linked to frame 5 via a link system 8 specified below.

[0041] The flap 7 is capable of taking (alternatively) one or other of the following two positions: - a closed position PI in which it completely closes the opening 6, as shown in [Fig.2]; and - at least one open position P2 in which it partially releases the opening 6, as shown in figures 3 and 4.

[0042] [Fig.3] corresponds to a view of one side 9 of the decompression hatch 1, as does [Fig.2], while [Fig.4] corresponds to a view of the other side 10 of the decompression hatch 1.

[0043] The flap 7 is capable of being brought from the closed position PI to the open position P2 under the effect of a pressure difference between the two sides 9 and 10 of the decompression hatch 1, as specified below.

[0044] Furthermore, the flap 7 has a size such that it is superimposed on the frame 5, over at least one superposition zone 11 around the opening 6.

[0045] In the example of Figures 2 to 4, the flap 7 has a rectangular shape (comprising two short sides 7A and 7B and two long sides 7C and 7D, as shown in [Fig. 4]). The superposition zone 11 (which is visualized by dashes in Figures 2 to 4) is provided all around the flap 7. The superposition zone 11 on which the flap 7 is superimposed on the frame 5 comprises four parts 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D ([Fig. 2]) located, respectively, at its sides 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D ([Fig. 4])•

[0046] In its closed position P2, the shutter 7 is in contact with the frame 5 on surfaces corresponding to the parts 11A, 11B, HC and 11D (rectangular in shape) of the superposition zone 11.

[0047] Furthermore, the connection system 8 comprises at least one part 13 made of elastomer. In the example of Figures 2 to 4, the connecting system 8 comprises two parts 13. Each of the parts 13 is arranged respectively on one of the parts 1 1A and 1 1B of the superposition zone 11. The flap 7 is arranged on the side 10 of the frame 5 of the decompression hatch 1 in the example of Figures 2 to 4. In this example, the parts 13 are arranged on the side 9 of the frame 5 of the decompression hatch 1, that is to say with a face 23 ([Fig.5]) in contact with a face 5A, 5B of the frame 5 ([Fig.2]), located respectively at the part 1 1A, 1 1B of the superposition zone 11. Alternatively, the parts 13 could also be arranged on the side 10, with their face 23 in contact with the flap 7.

[0048] In addition, for each of the parts 13, a plurality of fixing elements 14 pass through the elastomer part 13, the frame 5 and the flap 7 and fix these together different elements (piece 13, frame 5 and panel 7).

[0049] Each fixing element 14 passes through the elastomer part 13, the frame 5 and the flap 7, respectively through holes 19, 26 and 25 made in these elements, allowing them to slide, as shown in [Fig. 6]. Preferably, each fixing element 14 corresponds to a bolt formed, as shown in [Fig. 5], of a screw 15 (provided with a head 16 and comprising a threaded rod 17) and a nut 18 capable of being screwed onto the threaded rod 17 of the screw 15.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the elastomer part 13 is an elongated part. The elongated part 13 can be produced in different ways. Preferably, the elongated part 13 has a rectilinear shape, as shown in Figures 1 to 5. However, the elongated part 13 can also have a curved shape or a more complex shape, in particular to adapt it to the shape of the opening 6 and / or the flap 7. These different possibilities of shape of the part 13 provide great flexibility in the production of the connection system 8, and more generally, of the decompression hatch 1.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the elastomer part 13 is a solid part which is provided with a plurality of holes 19 ([Fig.5]) intended to receive the screws 15 of the fixing elements 14.

[0052] In the particular embodiment of Figures 2 to 4, in which the flap 7 has a rectangular shape, the decompression hatch 1 comprises a pair of elastomer parts 13, identical and arranged along opposite sides of the rectangular shape (in this case at the level of its short sides 7A and 7B ([Fig.4])).

[0053] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the decompression hatch may comprise two pairs of elastomer parts 13, one pair of which is arranged at its short sides 7A and 7B and the other pair is arranged at its long sides 7C and 7D.

[0054] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the decompression hatch 1 comprises a metal plate 20 (Figures 5, 6 and 7). This metal plate 20 is provided with holes 21 intended for the passage of the fixing elements 14. The metal plate 20 is arranged on a face 22 of the elastomer part 13 ([Fig. 5]), opposite the face 23 of the part 13 which is in contact with the face 5A, 5B of the superposition zone 11.

[0055] This metal plate 20 makes it possible to balance the pressure exerted by all of the fixing elements 14 (which fix the part 13) on the flap 7 and the frame 5. For each fixing element 14, the head 16 of the screw 15 rests against the metal plate 20 and the nut 18 is in contact with the flap 7, as visible in Figures 6 and 7.

[0056] In addition, the elastomer part 13 is provided with a housing 24 for receiving the metal plate 20. Preferably, the housing 24 has a depth sen ably equal to the thickness of the metal plate 20 and a shape similar to that of the metal plate 20. In the example of [Fig.5], the metal plate 20 has a substantially rectangular shape with slightly rounded corners. This housing 24 makes it easy to position and hold the metal plate 20 on the part 13. Thus, when the metal plate 20 is housed in the housing 24, the metal plate 20 is flush with the face 22 of the part 13 so that the metal plate 20 and the part 13 form a single block with a smooth face 22.

[0057] The operation of the decompression hatch 1 described above will now be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0058] As indicated above, the flap 7 of the decompression hatch 1 is capable of taking the following two positions: - a closed position PI (figures 2 and 6) in which it completely closes the opening 6; and - at least one open position P2 (figures 3, 4 and 7) in which it partially releases the opening 6.

[0059] In the nominal (initial) situation, the flap 7 is in the closed position PI. As shown in [Fig. 6], it is in contact with the frame 5 (namely on the parts 1 IA, 1 IB, 1 IC and 11D of the superposition zone 11 surrounding the opening 6). Thus, the opening 6 in the internal wall 2 is completely closed and prevents any passage of air.

[0060] The flap 7 is capable of being brought from this closed position PI to the open position P2 under the effect of a pressure difference between the two sides 9 and 10 of the decompression hatch 1, namely under the effect of a pressure difference corresponding to a greater pressure on the side 9 than on the side 10, caused in particular by rapid decompression, due for example to a depressurization of the pressurized zone located on the side 10 of the internal wall 2.

[0061] More precisely, the decompression hatch 1 is configured so that, when the pressure difference between the two sides 9 and 10 of the decompression hatch 1 exceeds a predetermined value, the elastomer part 13 is compressed by the effect of this pressure difference on the flap 7.

[0062] This predetermined value of pressure difference depends, in particular, on the characteristics of the wall 2 and of the aircraft 3. By way of simple illustration, this predetermined value (of pressure difference between the two sides 9 and 10 of the internal wall 2) can be of the order of 40 hPa.

[0063] More precisely, the frame 5 (attached to the wall 2) being fixed, the higher pressure on the side 9 generates a force which acts on the flap 7, in the direction illustrated by arrows F in [Fig.7]. This force is transmitted via the fixing elements 14 to the metal plate 20 which acts on the elastomer part 13 (held by the frame 5) and the compresses. This compression generates a displacement, in the direction illustrated by an arrow G in [Fig.7], of the flap 7 (the spacing of which remains constant relative to the metal plate 20 which moves during compression) which is thus brought into its open position P2.

[0064] By this displacement of the flap 7 relative to the fixed frame 5, in the direction of the arrow G, a passage 12 is created (figures 3, 4 and 7) between the flap 7 and the frame 5, through which an air flow occurs from side 9 to side 10 (due to the pressure difference), as illustrated by arrows I in figures 3, 4 and 7.

[0065] This air flow makes it possible to reduce the pressure difference between the two sides 9 and 10 of the wall 2.

[0066] By being compressed, the thickness of the part 13 changes from a value El ([Fig.6]) to a value E2 ([Fig.7]) lower than the value El. The passage 12 therefore has a width AE (with AE = El - E2). Due to the arrangement of two identical parts 13 on either side of the opening 6, this width AE of the passage 12 is substantially the same all around the opening 6.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the decompression hatch 1 is configured so that the air passage 12 created when the flap 7 is in the open position P2, has a total surface S2 whose area A2 is substantially equal to the area Al of the surface SI of said opening 6 () of the frame 5. The surface SI which is rectangular in shape with sides of lengths L1 and L2, therefore has an area Al which satisfies the following relationship Al = L1.L2.

[0068] The area A2 of the overall surface S2 of the air passage 12 corresponds to the sum of the areas of the surfaces between the frame 5 and the edges of the flap 7 in the open position P2, namely a surface area substantially equal to L2.AE of the short side 7A of the flap 7, a surface area substantially equal to L2.AE of the short side 7B of the flap 7, a surface area substantially equal to L1.AE of the long side 7C of the flap 7, and a surface area substantially equal to L1.AE of the long side 7D of the flap 7. The area A2 of the overall surface S2 therefore substantially verifies the relation A2 = 2.(L1 +L2).AE.

[0069] In this preferred embodiment, the compression hatch 1 and in particular the part(s) 13 are configured so that the difference in thickness AE (of the open position P2 compared to the closed position PI) makes it possible to obtain a surface S2 of area A2 substantially equal to the area Al of the surface SL

[0070] Thus, in this preferred embodiment, the decompression hatch 1 allows the circulation of substantially the same air flow (and therefore has substantially the same pressure difference reduction efficiency) as if the flap 7 were completely removed and / or completely freed the opening, as is generally the case in usual solutions.

[0071] When the pressure difference (between the two sides 9 and 10 of the decompression hatch pressure 1) is again sufficiently reduced, for example when the aircraft descends (and is located at a higher external pressure) so that the pressure on side 10 (which is close to the external pressure in the event of depressurization of the area located on said side 10) increases and approaches that on side 9, the elastomer part 13 returns to its initial shape due to its intrinsic elasticity characteristics, which returns the flap 7 to its closed position PI.

[0072] The opening 6 in the inner wall 2 is then closed again.

[0073] Furthermore, in this closed position PI, the compression hatch 1 is again di operational.

[0074] Therefore, no mechanism or mechanical system is used, neither to bring the flap 7 into the open position P2, nor to then return it to its closed position PI, in which it is again directly operational. Also, after a rapid decompression, no action or resetting operation is necessary, except the simple verification of the decompression hatch 1.

[0075] The decompression hatch 1 also has other advantages. In particular: - it has a reduced cost; - it can be done quickly and easily; - it allows the passage of an air flow similar to that of a usual solution for which the shutter is completely removed from the opening; - it has a reduced number of parts compared to usual solutions (generally equipped with complex mechanisms with numerous mechanical parts); and - it requires a reduced verification or inspection time.

Claims

Claims

1. Decompression hatch for an aircraft, said decompression hatch (1) comprising at least: - a frame (5) provided with an opening (6);and - a flap (7) connected to the frame (5) by a connecting system (8), the flap (7) being capable of taking at least one of two positions: a closed position (PI) in which it completely closes said opening (6) and at least one open position (P2) in which it at least partially releases the opening (6), said flap (7) being capable of being brought from the closed position (PI) to the open position (P2) under the effect of a pressure difference between the two sides (9, 10) of the decompression hatch (1), characterized in that the flap (7) and the frame (5) are configured to be superimposed on at least one superposition zone (11) and in that the connecting system (8) comprises at least one elastomer part (13) arranged on one of the faces (5A, 5B) of said superposition zone (11) and provided with a plurality of fixing elements (14) passing through and fixing together the elastomer part (13), the frame (5) and the shutter (7).;

2. Decompression hatch according to claim 1, characterized in that the decompression hatch (1) is configured so that, when the pressure difference between the two sides (9, 10) of the frame (5) of the decompression hatch (1), with a lower pressure on the side (10) of the frame (5) where the flap (7) is arranged, exceeds a predetermined value, the elastomer part (13) is compressed so as to generate a separation of the flap (7) from the frame (5) and thus to create an air passage (12) between the flap (7) and the frame (5).

3. Decompression hatch according to claim 2, characterized in that each of said fixing elements (14) passes through holes (19, 26, 25) of the elastomer part (13), of the frame (5) and of the flap (7) so as to allow them to slide on said fixing elements (14) and to allow the flap (7) to be moved away from the frame (5) when the elastomer part (13) is compressed under the effect of the pressure difference.

4. Decompression hatch according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the decompression hatch (1) is configured so that the air passage (12) created, when the flap (7) is in position open (P2), generally has a surface whose area is substantially equal to the area of the surface of said opening (6) of the frame (5).

5. Decompression hatch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elastomer part (13) is a solid, elongated part, provided with a plurality of holes (19) each intended to receive a fixing element (14).

6. Decompression hatch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flap (5) has a rectangular shape and in that the decompression hatch (1) comprises at least one pair of elastomer parts (13), identical and arranged along opposite sides of said rectangular shape.

7. Decompression hatch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one metal plate (20) provided with holes (21) intended for the passage of fixing elements (14), the metal plate (20) being arranged on a face (22) of the elastomer part (13), opposite that (23) in contact with the superposition zone (11).

8. Decompression hatch according to claim 7, characterized in that the elastomer part (13) is provided with a housing (24) for receiving the metal plate (20).

9. Internal wall of an aircraft, intended to be arranged between two adjacent zones of the aircraft. characterized in that it comprises at least one decompression hatch (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Aircraft, characterized in that it comprises at least one decompression hatch (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and / or at least one internal wall (2) according to claim 9.

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