Droppable payload storage rack

Abstract

Storage rack for droppable loads The present invention relates to a storage rack (26) for droppable loads (32) for an aircraft (10), comprising at least one storage module (42), the storage module (42) comprising a compartment (44) and a drawer (46). The drawer (46) delimits at least two storage housings (60) for droppable loads (32), the housings (60) being arranged successively one after the other in a transverse direction (Y) of the rack, each housing (60) being elongated in a direction of elongation not parallel to the transverse direction (Y). The drawer (46) is movable relative to the compartment (44) in the transverse direction (Y) between a retracted position, in which the drawer (46) is arranged inside the compartment (44), and an extended position, in which the drawer (46) is arranged at least partly outside the compartment (44). Figure for abstract: 2

Description

Title of the invention: Rack for storing droppable loads

[0001] The present invention relates to a rack for storing droppable loads.

[0002] The patrol missions intended to be carried out by an aircraft are varied. They include surveillance missions, support to a naval force (support and protection), intelligence missions, search and rescue missions, control or maritime police missions, in particular in the context of fisheries surveillance, the fight against drug traffickers or the fight against piracy.

[0003] The aircraft is then intended to carry droppable loads in the cabin, for example buoys carrying acoustic sensors, rescue markers, smoke bombs.

[0004] To this end, the aircraft includes storage racks in which the droppable loads are stored horizontally. The dimensional constraints of the aircraft may impact their integration. In addition, the evolving constraints of the missions and the storage capacity will also have to meet military needs.

[0005] Known storage racks have a large footprint, no means of inventory and a significant mass due to the fact that they are welded.

[0006] The aim of the invention is then to propose a storage rack allowing any type of droppable load to be carried, with good storage capacity and small footprint.

[0007] An additional aim is to allow easier use of such a rack.

[0008] For this purpose, the invention relates to a rack for storing droppable loads for aircraft, comprising at least one storage module, the storage module comprising a compartment and a drawer, the drawer delimiting at least two housings for storing droppable loads, the housings being arranged successively one after the other in a transverse direction of the rack, each housing being elongated in a direction of elongation not parallel to the transverse direction, the drawer being movable relative to the compartment in the transverse direction between a retracted position, in which the drawer is arranged inside the compartment, and an extended position, in which the drawer is arranged at least partly outside the compartment.

[0009] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the storage rack comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0010] - the rack extends in an elevation direction perpendicular to the direction transverse, and, in projection in a plane parallel to the transverse direction and to the elevation direction, the elongation direction of each housing makes an angle of between 45° and 135° with the transverse direction; the elongation direction of each housing being preferably perpendicular to the transverse direction; the elongation direction of each housing being preferably parallel to the elevation direction;

[0011] - the drawer has, when the drawer is in the extended position, an access side to the drawer housings, the access side being suitable for allowing a handling operation of the rack by an operator, the handling operation comprising the loading of a releasable load into one of the free housings via the access side and / or the unloading of a releasable load stored in one of the housings via the access side;

[0012] - the drawer comprises a frame and at least one barrier, the barrier being fixed to the frame on the side of the drawer opposite the side of the access flank, so as to oppose a handling operation on the side opposite the access flank;

[0013] - the drawer is suitable for being assembled reversibly between two configurations separate handling configurations, so that the respective sides of the access flanks of the drawer in the handling configurations are opposite each other; the drawer being suitable for passing, preferably, from one of the handling configurations to the other by rotation of the drawer, for example 180° relative to the transverse direction;

[0014] - the storage module includes a system for guiding the movement of the drawer with respect to the compartment, the guide system comprises at least one sliding rail, each sliding rail comprising a movable element, fixed to the drawer, and a fixed element, fixed to the compartment, the fixed and movable elements of the sliding rail cooperating with each other to allow the drawer to move between the extended and retracted positions;

[0015] - the guidance system is configured so that the fixed elements have the same respective positions relative to the compartment in the handling configurations and so that, for each mobile element, the fixed element with which the mobile element cooperates in one of the handling configurations is different from the fixed element with which the mobile element cooperates in the other of the configurations;

[0016] - the rack includes a system for detecting the droppable loads stored in the rack, the detection system including:

[0017] * for each housing, a detection sensor capable of acquiring data representative of the presence or absence of droppable equipment stored in the accommodation; and

[0018] * a processing unit connected to each detection sensor, the unit of processing being configured to determine information representative of an identification and / or a count of droppable loads stored in the rack from the data acquired by each detection sensor; said representative information preferably comprising a matrix of positions of the droppable loads stored in the rack, the matrix of positions being representative of the location of each housing storing a droppable load;

[0019] - the detection system comprises, for each storage module, an element identification of the storage module suitable for being scanned, by a reading device, to obtain said information determined by the processing unit; and / or in which the detection system comprises, for each storage module, a display device connected to the processing unit, the display device comprising a screen and a display management unit configured to display on the screen a graphical representation of said representative information determined by the processing unit;

[0020] - the rack comprises at least two storage modules, the storage modules being arranged successively one after the other in a longitudinal direction of the rack, the longitudinal direction being perpendicular to the transverse direction and to the elevation direction;

[0021] - the housings of each storage module have the same length of payload storage, at least two of the storage modules having different payload storage lengths;

[0022] - one of the modules is of a first type, having a first length of payload storage, and another of the modules is of a second type, having a second payload storage length less than the first payload storage length, at least two modules of the second type preferably being staggered in the elevation direction;

[0023] - the rack stores droppable loads, each droppable load being extended according to a direction of elongation, each droppable load being received in one of the housings so that the direction of elongation is parallel to the direction of elevation; and

[0024] - each droppable load stored in one of the housings is a buoy carrying at at least one acoustic sensor, a marker diffusion system, the marker being for example a smoke bomb or a dye marker.

[0025] The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising at least one storage rack as described above.

[0026] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0027] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a top view of a cabin plan of an aircraft intended for the carrying out patrol missions;

[0028] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of the rack of [Fig.l];

[0029] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic side view of the rack of [Fig.2], taken along the longitudinal direction of the rack;

[0030] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic flowchart of a rack detection system of Figures 2 and 3; and

[0031] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic front view of a second embodiment of the rack.

[0032] An example of an aircraft 10 according to the invention, intended to carry out missions, is illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0033] In a known manner, the aircraft 10 comprises a fuselage 12 internally delimiting a cockpit 14 and a cabin 16, located at the rear of the cockpit 14.

[0034] The fuselage 12 also internally delimits a crew entrance space 18 and preferably a crew rest space 20.

[0035] The aircraft 10 comprises for example an avionics system 22 visible in [Fig.4].

[0036] The aircraft 10 further comprises at least one launch barrel 24 for droppable loads.

[0037] The aircraft 10 also comprises at least one storage rack 26.

[0038] The aircraft 10 comprises a central circulation passage 28 connecting the rack of storage 26 to the launch drums 24. The central circulation passage 28 also extends towards the front of the aircraft 10 into the cabin 16.

[0039] The cockpit 14 designates the space reserved for crew members forming the technical flight personnel, such as the pilot and the co-pilot.

[0040] The cockpit 14 is located at the front of the fuselage 12.

[0041] It comprises, in a known manner, the instrumentation intended for piloting and managing the aircraft 10 and the seats accommodating the pilot and the co-pilot.

[0042] The entrance space 18 comprises a side door for boarding the crew in the aircraft 10.

[0043] The entrance space 18 is arranged at the rear of the cockpit 14.

[0044] In this example, the entrance space 18 is interposed longitudinally between the cockpit 14 and the cabin 16, in particular between the cockpit 14 and the crew rest space 20.

[0045] The entrance space 18 and the cockpit 14 are delimited from each other by a front separating element.

[0046] The crew rest area 20 includes a resting surface on which a resting crew member can sit and / or lie down, while another crew member remains on duty.

[0047] The cabin 16 is intended to accommodate the crew of the aircraft 10 during a flight phase during a mission of the aircraft 10.

[0048] In the cabin 16, the aircraft 10 comprises a mission system 30 intended to assist the crew of the aircraft 10 in conducting missions.

[0049] The missions are, for example, surveillance missions, support to a surface or submarine naval force in support or protection, intelligence missions, in particular listening, search and rescue missions ("Search And Rescue" or "SAR" in English), pollution control missions, or maritime police missions, in particular in the context of the fight against drug traffickers or piracy and / or training and formation missions for crew regeneration.

[0050] The missions are intended in particular to be carried out in a mission environment located around the aircraft 10. They generally comprise the determination of the positioning of actors present in the mission environment, which are detected in the form of tracks.

[0051] The tracks are identified and followed by means of on-board sensors 27 (visible in [Fig. 4]) by the aircraft 10 or non-on-board sensors, such as sensors forming payloads that can be dropped from the aircraft 10, or sensors carried by platforms other than the aircraft 10, in particular sensors carried by autonomous aerial, terrestrial, or maritime (surface or underwater) carriers.

[0052] The on-board sensors 27 comprise, for example, at least one radar sensor, one optronic sensor, one acoustic system, one magnetic anomaly detection sensor, one electronic warfare sensor, one listening sensor, one infrared countermeasure sensor and / or one decoy sensor.

[0053] The on-board sensors 27 are connected to the avionics system 22 of the aircraft 10.

[0054] The sensors carried by other platforms are for example of the same type as the on-board sensors 27 described above.

[0055] The implementation of the mission requires in certain cases the use and / or the dropping of droppable loads 32 carried by the aircraft 10.

[0056] Any type of droppable load is envisaged within the scope of the invention. Some types of droppable loads 32 will be described below in a non-exhaustive and non-limiting manner.

[0057] At least one of the releasable loads 32 is for example a buoy carrying an acoustic sensor. Such a buoy is intended to be dropped into a body of water to carry out acoustic detection, and to transmit acoustic detection information to the aircraft 10. Such a buoy is thus for example capable of communicating with one of the on-board sensors 27. Such a buoy then allows in particular the positioning of one of the actors present in the mission environment and the detection and monitoring of an associated track.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the droppable loads 32 is for example a marker diffusion system, for tracking surface actors and underwater actors. The marker is preferably a smoke bomb or a coloring marker, the coloring marker containing for example fluorescein. Such a marker then allows in particular the positioning of one of the actors present in the mission environment and the detection and tracking of an associated track.

[0059] The mission system 30 of the aircraft 10 comprises a plurality of consoles 34 arranged in the cabin 16.

[0060] Each console 34 comprises a support carrying a human-machine interface 36 and a tactical tracking screen 38, intended for displaying a tactical tracking visualization developed from data collected by the sensors.

[0061] The tactical tracking visualization includes, for example, data representative of the droppable payloads 32 which have already been dropped during the mission.

[0062] Each console 34 further comprises a console management computer, and a display manager on the interface 36 and on the tactical monitoring screen 38, intended respectively to generate and display the display windows presented to the operator of the console 34, respectively on the interface 36 and on the tactical monitoring screen 38.

[0063] Each console 34 also comprises a seat 40 intended to be placed opposite the support carrying the interface 36, the tactical monitoring screen 38 and the peripheral to allow an operator to interact with these elements of the console 34.

[0064] The seat 40 is provided with a seat on which the operator is placed when operating the console 34.

[0065] In the example of [Fig.l], the aircraft 10 comprises at least two launch drums 24 for droppable loads. The launch drums 24 are then, for example, arranged on either side of the central circulation passage 28.

[0066] Each launch barrel 24 is for example arranged at the rear of the aircraft 10 relative to the storage rack 26. As a variant, any other arrangement is possible, for example each launch barrel 24 arranged at the front relative to the rack 26.

[0067] Each launch barrel 24 is configured to allow the release of the payloads 32 outside the aircraft 10, in particular during a flight phase of a mission of the aircraft 10.

[0068] Each launch barrel 24 comprises for this purpose a release conduit, in which an operator is able to place one of the releasable loads 32.

[0069] Each launch barrel 24 also comprises an actuator capable of triggering the release of the releasable payload 32 which is placed in the release conduit.

[0070] In the example of [Fig.l], the aircraft 10 comprises a single storage rack 26. Alternatively, the aircraft 10 comprises at least two, for example arranged on the same side of the fuselage 12 or arranged opposite the fuselage 12 from each other.

[0071] The storage rack 26 is intended to store droppable loads 32 as part of the mission of the aircraft 10.

[0072] A first embodiment of the storage rack 26 is illustrated in more detail in Figures 2 and 3.

[0073] Here and hereinafter, for the storage rack 26, an elevation direction Z, a longitudinal direction X perpendicular to the elevation direction Z, and a transverse direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal directions X and elevation Z are defined.

[0074] The elevation direction Z is typically perpendicular to the rolling plane of the aircraft 10, when the rack 26 is integrated into the aircraft 10 and the aircraft 10 is in contact with the ground. The view of [Fig.l] is thus in particular taken perpendicular to the elevation direction Z.

[0075] The longitudinal direction X is for example parallel to the direction of advance of the aircraft 10, when the rack 26 is integrated into the aircraft 10 and the aircraft 10 is in contact with the ground. In the context of the example of [Fig.l], the front and the rear of the aircraft 10 are understood relative to the longitudinal direction X.

[0076] The rack 26 is for example arranged at the rear of the aircraft 10 relative to the consoles 34.

[0077] The rack 26 is arranged close to the or at least one of the launch barrel(s) 24. The rack 26 is for example arranged in the same cabin compartment as the launch barrel 24 without physical separation, for example of the partition type.

[0078] The rack 26 is arranged against the fuselage 12.

[0079] The storage rack 26 comprises at least one storage module 42.

[0080] In the example of [Fig.2], the storage rack 26 further comprises at least one additional chamber 50 for horizontal storage of loads.

[0081] The rack 26 also comprises, for example, a box 52 receiving each storage module 42, and, where appropriate, each additional chamber 50.

[0082] The rack 26 also preferably comprises a detection system 54 for the droppable loads 32 stored in the rack 26.

[0083] Any type of droppable load 32 is considered within the scope of the invention.

[0084] Each droppable load 32 is for example chosen from the types defined above.

[0085] Each droppable load 32 is thus preferably a buoy carrying at least an acoustic sensor, a marker diffusion system, the marker being for example a smoke bomb or a dye marker.

[0086] Each droppable payload 32 is packaged to have an outer casing, the dimensions of which are inscribed in a cylinder of revolution. The dimensions of the outer casing depend on the type of droppable payload 32 considered.

[0087] In the figures, the releasable loads 32 are thus illustrated in the form of such cylinders of revolution.

[0088] Each releasable load 32 is thus elongated in a direction of elongation. The cylinder of revolution in which the dimensions of the outer envelope are inscribed has a central axis parallel to the direction of elongation.

[0089] The housing 52 of the storage rack 26 is fixed to the aircraft 10.

[0090] The housing 52 preferably has an external shape that matches the surface interior of the fuselage 12 of the aircraft 10.

[0091] In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the storage rack 26 comprises at least two storage modules 42.

[0092] Those skilled in the art will understand that the number of storage module(s) 42 depends on the certification rules and the dimensions available for the rack 26 in the cabin 16.

[0093] Preferably, the storage rack 26 comprises at least three, better still at least four, better still at least five, storage modules 42. In the example of [Fig.2], the rack comprises nine storage modules 42. The storage modules 42 are then arranged successively one after the other in the longitudinal direction X.

[0094] In another variant not illustrated, the storage rack 26 comprises only a single storage module 42. In all that follows, the expression “each module” then refers to the single module and is then synonymous with “the module”.

[0095] Each storage module 42 comprises a compartment 44 and a drawer 46, the drawer 46 being movable relative to the compartment 44.

[0096] Each module 42 also comprises a system 48 for guiding the movement of the drawer 46 relative to the compartment 44.

[0097] Each module 42 has a facade 56, taken in a view along the transverse direction Y.

[0098] The compartment 44 of each storage module 42 is received in the housing 52 and is fixed to the housing 52.

[0099] The compartment 44 comprises at least one upper partition and one lower partition. In addition, the compartment 44 preferably comprises two side partitions.

[0100] Said partitions of compartment 44 thus delimit a reception space suitable for receiving drawer 46.

[0101] The upper partition is preferably flat and extends for example perpendicular to the elevation direction Z. The lower partition is preferably flat and extends for example perpendicular to the elevation direction Z.

[0102] Each side partition joins the lower partition to the upper partition.

[0103] The compartments 44 of two successive storage modules 42 share, for example, the same lateral partition, which delimits on either side the space for receiving the compartments 44.

[0104] Each lateral partition is preferably flat and extends, for example, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X.

[0105] Each partition is for example solid, without openings.

[0106] Each partition is for example made of metal, such as aluminum, and / or composite material.

[0107] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the drawer 46 delimits at least two storage housings 60 for releasable loads 32.

[0108] Preferably, the drawer 46 comprises at least three, better still at least four, better still at least five, storage housings 60 for droppable loads 32. In the example of [Fig.2], the drawer 46 comprises five storage housings 60.

[0109] Those skilled in the art will understand that the number of housings 60 per drawer 46 depends on the certification rules and the dimensions available for the rack 26 in the cabin 16.

[0110] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the housings 60 are arranged successively one after the other in the transverse direction Y.

[0111] The drawer 46 preferably comprises a frame 62 delimiting the housings 60.

[0112] The frame 62 is for example made of metal, such as aluminum, and / or of material composite.

[0113] The frame 62 preferably comprises, for each housing 60, a lower support wall 64A arranged to support the weight of a releasable load 32 stored in the housing 60.

[0114] The lower support wall 64A is for example solid.

[0115] The frame 62 also preferably comprises, for each housing 60, an upper wall 64B, arranged above the lower support wall 64A in the elevation direction Z.

[0116] The upper wall 64B is for example solid.

[0117] The frame 62 preferably comprises at least one separation 64C, each separation 64C delimiting the housings 60 two by two.

[0118] Each partition 64C joins the lower support wall 64A to the upper wall 64B. Each partition 64C is for example fixed to the lower support wall 64A and / or to the upper wall 64B of the drawer 46.

[0119] Each separation 64C is suitable for preventing the passage of a releasable load 32 between the two housings 60 delimited by the separation 64C.

[0120] Each separation 64C is preferably honeycombed. In other words, each separation 64C is then perforated.

[0121] Each housing 60 is sized to receive one of the droppable loads 32. Preferably, each housing 60 of the same drawer 46 is configured to store the same type of droppable load 32.

[0122] In particular, each housing 60 has an interior volume suitable for receiving the load 32. The interior volume is delimited at least by the separations 64C, the lower support wall 64A and the upper wall 64B of the drawer 46.

[0123] Each housing 60 is elongated in a direction of elongation.

[0124] Each releasable load 32 is suitable for being received in one of the housings 60, in particular in the interior volume, so that the direction of elongation of the releasable load 32 is parallel to the direction of elongation of the housing 60.

[0125] Each housing 60 thus has a carrying storage length, taken according to the direction of elongation of the housings 60 of the drawer 46.

[0126] The carrying storage length corresponds in particular to the maximum dimension, taken along the direction of elongation, of the interior volume defined by the housing 60. This is in particular the distance, taken along the direction of elongation, between the lower support wall 64A and the upper wall 64B of the drawer 46.

[0127] The housings 60 of the drawer 46 have the same carrying storage length. In the first embodiment, all the storage modules 42 of the rack have, for example, the same carrying storage length.

[0128] The carrying storage length of each drawer 46 is for example greater than or equal to 20 cm.

[0129] The directions of elongation of each housing 60 of the drawer 46 are parallel.

[0130] The direction of elongation of each housing 60 of the drawer 46 is not parallel to the transverse direction Y. Such an orientation makes it possible to ensure good storage capacity, insofar as several loads can be stored one after the other in the transverse direction Y.

[0131] Preferably, in projection in a plane parallel to the transverse direction Y and to the elevation direction Z, the direction of elongation of each housing 60 of the drawer 46 makes an angle of between 45° and 135° with the transverse direction Y.

[0132] The direction of elongation of each housing 60 of the drawer 46 is advantageously perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, said angle then being 90°.

[0133] The direction of elongation of each housing 60 of the drawer 46 is not parallel to the longitudinal direction X. Preferably, in projection in a plane parallel to the longitudinal direction X and the elevation direction Z, the elongation direction of each housing 60 of the drawer 46 makes an angle of between 70° and 110° with the longitudinal direction X.

[0134] The direction of elongation of each housing 60 of the drawer 46 is advantageously perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, said angle then being 90°.

[0135] In the preferred example illustrated, the direction of elongation of each housing 60 of the drawer 46 is preferably parallel to the direction of elevation Z. Such an orientation of the housings 60 allows more ergonomic handling, by avoiding the operator having to pivot when loading or unloading the loads.

[0136] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the drawer 46 is movable relative to the compartment 44 in the transverse direction Y between a retracted position, in which the drawer 46 is arranged inside the compartment 44, and an extended position, in which the drawer 46 is arranged at least partly outside the compartment 44.

[0137] In [Fig.2], only one of the drawers 46 of the rack 26 is illustrated in the extended position, while all the others are illustrated in the retracted position.

[0138] In the retracted position, the drawer 46 is preferably entirely received in the receiving space of the compartment 44, without protruding from the compartment 44, in particular without protruding from the front 56 of the storage module 42.

[0139] In the extended position, all the housings 60 of the drawer 46 are advantageously accessible to an operator.

[0140] In order to allow a rack handling operation by an operator comprising the loading of a releasable load 32 into one of the free housings 60, and / or the unloading of a releasable load 32 already stored in one of the housings 60, the drawer 46 has, in the extended position, an access flank 66 to the housings 60 of the drawer 46 (visible in [Fig.2]).

[0141] The access flank 66 allows access to the housings 60 by an operator and then allows the handling operation by the operator.

[0142] The access flank 66 is preferably arranged on the side of the drawer 46 which is opposite the launch barrel 24.

[0143] The access flank 66 extends in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X.

[0144] On the side of the access flank 66, the drawer 46 is thus, for example, free of any barrier or obstacle preventing the handling of releasable loads 32 via the access flank 66, and this preferably over the entire length of the housings 60, taken in their direction of elongation.

[0145] Conversely, it is preferably not possible to load or unload the droppable loads 32 on the side opposite the access flank 66.

[0146] The drawer 46 thus preferably comprises at least one barrier 68, fixed to the frame 62 on the side of the drawer 46 opposite the side of the access flank 66. In an example not illustrated, the drawer 46 comprises at least two barriers 68 fixed to the frame 62 on the side of the drawer 46 opposite the side of the access flank 66.

[0147] The barrier 68 is visible in [Fig.3]. The side of the drawer 46 visible in [Fig.3] is therefore the side opposite the access flank 66.

[0148] The sides considered here are the sides on either side of the drawer 46 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0149] The barrier 68 prevents access to the housings 60 by the operator from the side of the drawer 46 opposite the side of the access flank 66. The barrier 68 prevents in particular any operation of handling releasable loads 32 from the side of the barrier 68.

[0150] The barrier 68 is fixed to the frame 62 laterally to the housings 60 of the drawer 46. In particular, the barrier 68 is opposite the side partitions of the compartment 44 when the drawer 46 is in the retracted position.

[0151] The barrier 68 further retains a releasable load 32 stored in the housing 60. The barrier 68 thus also delimits the interior volume of the housing 60.

[0152] For example, the barrier 68 is disposed in at least one region of the drawer 46 arranged between 30% and 70% of the payload storage length, taken from the lower support wall 64A in the elongation direction.

[0153] Preferably, the region is arranged between 40% and 60% of the payload storage length, taken from the lower support wall 64A in the elongation direction.

[0154] Advantageously, the barrier 68 is arranged halfway up the storage length of the housing 60.

[0155] For example, the barrier 68 extends substantially parallel to the transverse direction Y.

[0156] In a preferred embodiment, the module 42 is capable of changing the loading and unloading side of the droppable loads 32 in the drawer 46.

[0157] The drawer 46 is thus capable of being assembled to the compartment 44 in a reversible manner between two distinct handling configurations of the module 42, so that the respective sides of the access flanks of the drawer 46 in the handling configurations are opposite each other.

[0158] Any reversibility is envisaged within the scope of the invention. Preferably, the drawer 46 is capable of passing from one of the handling configurations to the other, by rotating the drawer 46, for example 180° relative to the transverse direction Y. The drawer 46 is then in this case turned over to pass from one of the configurations to the other.

[0159] The side of the access flank 66 in one of the handling configurations corresponds to the side of the barrier 68 in the other of the handling configurations.

[0160] All drawers 46 of rack 26 are preferably assembled in the same handling configuration.

[0161] The module 42 allows reversibility of the drawer 46 in a symmetrical manner with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X.

[0162] More precisely, depending on the position of the launch drums 24 in the aircraft 10, interchangeability of the access side 66 allowing the loading / unloading of the loads 32 is possible. This simplifies and homogenizes the manufacture of the rack 26 and allows adaptation to any type of plan of the aircraft 10 or to any change of this plan during the life of the aircraft 10.

[0163] The drawer 46 comprises, for each housing 60, a system for holding in position a releasable load 32 received in the housing 60 (not illustrated in the figures). The position holding system is configured to oppose any movement of the releasable load 32 relative to the housing 60 in which it is received, during a movement of the drawer 46.

[0164] Any position-keeping system is envisaged within the scope of the invention.

[0165] The position holding system comprises for example a strap, for example a clip-on strap.

[0166] The position-keeping system comprises, for example, protective foam suitable for accommodating the load 32.

[0167] Any guidance system 48 is envisaged within the scope of the invention.

[0168] To allow the drawer 46 to move relative to the compartment 44, the guidance system 48 preferably comprises at least one sliding rail 70.

[0169] Preferably, the guide system 48 comprises at least two sliding rails 70. Preferably, the guide system 48 comprises at least three, better still at least four, better still at least five, sliding rails 70. In the example of [Fig.2], the drawer 46 comprises five sliding rails 70.

[0170] Any number of sliding rail(s) 70 is envisaged, the person skilled in the art will adapt this number according to the need.

[0171] Each sliding rail comprises an element, hereinafter referred to as a “moving element”, fixed to the drawer 46.

[0172] Each sliding rail comprises another element, hereinafter referred to as a “fixed element”, fixed to the compartment 44.

[0173] The fixed element of the sliding rail is for example fixed to one of the partitions of compartment 44.

[0174] The movable element of the sliding rail is for example fixed to the frame 62 of the drawer 46.

[0175] The fixed and movable elements of the sliding rail cooperate with each other to allow the drawer 46 to move between the extended and retracted positions. The movable element is thus movable by sliding relative to the fixed element of the sliding rail.

[0176] Each sliding rail thus extends in the transverse direction Y.

[0177] In the example illustrated, the fixed and movable elements of the sliding rail are profiles.

[0178] One of the fixed and movable elements of the sliding rail has, for example, a female profile, the other having a complementary male profile. The profile corresponds to the external shape of a section of the element, perpendicular to the transverse direction Y.

[0179] At least one of the sliding rails 70 is an upper sliding rail disposed above each housing 60 of the drawer 46 in the elevation direction Z. Preferably, at least two of the sliding rails 70 are so disposed. The fixed element of the upper sliding rail is then fixed to the upper partition of the compartment 44.

[0180] Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the sliding rails 70 is a lower sliding rail arranged below each housing 60 of the drawer 46 in the elevation direction Z. Preferably, at least two of the sliding rails 70 are arranged in this way. The fixed element of the lower sliding rail is then fixed to the lower partition of the compartment 44.

[0181] Preferably, at least one of the sliding rails 70 is a lateral sliding rail arranged laterally relative to the housings 60 of the drawer 46. The fixed element of the lateral sliding rail is then fixed to one of the lateral partitions of the compartment 44.

[0182] In the illustrated example, the guide system 48 comprises two upper sliding rails arranged above each housing 60 of the drawer 46, two lower sliding rails arranged below each housing 60 of the drawer 46, and a lateral sliding rail 70 arranged laterally relative to the housings 60 of the drawer 46.

[0183] In a preferred embodiment illustrated, the barrier 68 above is formed at least by the movable element of the lateral sliding rail 70. For example, the barrier 68 above is formed solely by said movable element.

[0184] In the preferred embodiment where the module 42 is capable of changing the loading and unloading side of the droppable loads 32, the guidance system 48 is configured to ensure said reversibility of the assembly of the drawer 46, in particular when rotating the drawer 46 by 180° relative to the transverse direction Y.

[0185] The guidance system 48 is configured so that the fixed elements have the same respective positions relative to the compartment 44 in the handling configurations. The fixed elements remain stationary in position during the passage of the drawer 46 between the handling configurations.

[0186] The guidance system 48 is configured so that, for each mobile element, the fixed element with which the mobile element cooperates in one of the handling configurations is different from the fixed element with which it cooperates in the other of the configurations.

[0187] The guidance system 48 is configured so that each movable element forming the or one of the upper sliding rails, in one of the handling configurations, forms the or one of the lower sliding rails in the other of the handling configurations.

[0188] The guidance system 48 is likewise configured so that each mobile element forming the or one of the lower sliding rails, in one of the handling configurations, forms the or one of the upper sliding rails in the other of the handling configurations.

[0189] The guidance system 48 is also configured so that each movable element forming the or one of the lateral sliding rails, in one of the handling configurations, also forms the or one of the lateral sliding rails in the other of the handling configurations.

[0190] To do this, preferably, the guidance system 48 then comprises, in each handling configuration, at least one fixed element on standby fixed to the compartment 44 and arranged on the side of the access flank of the configuration.

[0191] The fixed element on standby does not cooperate with any mobile element.

[0192] The fixed element on standby is fixed to the side partition of compartment 44 on the side of the access flank.

[0193] Thus, when the module 42 passes from a starting handling configuration to an arrival handling configuration, each fixed element waiting in the starting handling configuration forms the or one of the lateral sliding rails in the arrival handling configuration. Conversely, each fixed element forming the or one of the lateral sliding rails in the starting handling configuration becomes a fixed element waiting in the arrival handling configuration.

[0194] In addition, the guide system 48 comprises, for example, a pull handle (not shown) capable of being grasped by an operator to move the drawer 46 from one of the positions to the other.

[0195] The pull handle is attached to the frame 62.

[0196] The operator is able to move the drawer 46 from the retracted position to the extended position by pulling on the handle in the transverse direction Y.

[0197] The guidance system 48 preferably includes an extended stop and a retracted stop (not shown).

[0198] The drawer 46 is then in the extended position when the drawer 46 is in abutment against the extended stop of the compartment 44, and is in the retracted position when the drawer 46 is in abutment against the retracted stop of the compartment 44.

[0199] The stops are for example integral with the compartment 44.

[0200] The guide system 48 also preferably comprises a damper for the end of travel of the drawer 46 (not illustrated).

[0201] The end-of-travel damper of the drawer 46 is configured to dampen a movement of the drawer 46 relative to the compartment 44, for example when the drawer 46 reaches the extended position and / or the retracted position.

[0202] The end-of-travel shock absorber is for example integral with compartment 44.

[0203] The guidance system 48 comprises for example at least one wheel 72, capable of touching a floor of the aircraft 10.

[0204] Each caster 72 is then fixed to the frame 62 of the drawer 46, for example fixed below the lower support wall 64A, in the elevation direction Z.

[0205] Such a caster 72 reduces the effects of moments on the sliding rails 70, and reduces the overhang induced by the mass of the loads 32 stored in the drawer 46, in the extended position.

[0206] The detection system 54 is intended to provide, to an operator, information relating to the droppable loads 32 stored in the drawer 46 of the module 42.

[0207] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the detection system 54 comprises, for each housing 60, a detection sensor 74 capable of acquiring data representative of the presence or absence of a releasable load 32 stored in the housing 60.

[0208] Any type of detection sensor 74 is envisaged.

[0209] Each detection sensor 74 is for example capacitive.

[0210] As an example, in [Fig.4], only two detection sensors 74 are illustrated.

[0211] The detection system 54 also comprises a processing unit 76 connected to each detection sensor 74.

[0212] The processing unit 76 comprises for example a memory 78 and a processor 80 associated with the memory 78. In an exemplary embodiment, the functions of the processing unit 76 described below are implemented in the form of software, that is to say in the form of a computer program product, stored in the memory 78 and executable by the processor 80.

[0213] The memory 78 is, for example, a medium capable of storing electronic instructions. For example, the memory 78 is an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM memory, a RAM memory, any type of non-volatile memory (for example FLASH or NVRAM) or a magnetic card.

[0214] Alternatively, the functions of the processing unit 76 described below are implemented in the form of a programmable logic component, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an integrated circuit, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0215] The processing unit 76 is configured to determine information representative of an identification and / or a count of droppable loads 32 stored in the rack from the data acquired by each detection sensor 74.

[0216] It is thus possible to have a real-time count of the stored loads 32 and to know the location of each one within the rack 26, although these loads 32 are not immediately visible to the operator in the retracted positions of the drawers 46.

[0217] The processing unit 76 is preferably capable of being connected to the avionics system 22 of the aircraft 10 and of sending said determined representative information to the avionics system 22.

[0218] The processing unit 76 is preferably capable of storing a mapping of the detection sensors 74, for example in the memory 78.

[0219] Preferably, said representative information comprises a matrix of positions of the droppable loads 32 stored in the rack. The matrix of positions is then representative of the location of each housing 60 storing a droppable load 32.

[0220] The position matrix is ​​determined based on the stored mapping and each data acquired by the detection sensors.

[0221] The position matrix then comprises, for example, for each housing 60 of each module 42, data representative of the corresponding position within the rack 26 and the acquired data representative of a presence or absence of releasable load 32 stored in the housing 60.

[0222] Preferably, the detection system 54 is configured to provide said determined information to an operator.

[0223] To do this, the detection system 54 comprises, for example, for each storage module 42, an identification element 82 specific to the module 42.

[0224] The identification element 82 comprises, for example, a two-dimensional barcode, for example a QR code (in English “QR code” for “quick response code”).

[0225] The identification element 82 is suitable for being scanned, by a reading device, to obtain said information determined by the processing unit 76.

[0226] The identification element 82 is arranged at the level of the facade 56 of the storage module 42. The identification element 82 is arranged for example above the compartment 44 of the storage module 42 in the elevation direction Z.

[0227] Alternatively or additionally, the detection system 54 comprises, for example, for each storage module 42, a display device 84 connected to the processing unit 76.

[0228] The display device 84 comprises a screen 86 and a display management unit 88 configured to display on the screen 86 a graphical representation of said representative information determined by the processing unit 76.

[0229] The display management unit 88 comprises, for example, a graphics processor and an associated graphics memory. The graphics processor is adapted to process information stored in the graphics memory and to display the graphic representation on the screen 86.

[0230] The screen 86 is for example arranged at the level of the facade 56 of the storage module 42. The screen 86 is arranged for example above the compartment 44 of the storage module 42 in the elevation direction Z.

[0231] The rack 26 according to the invention can also preferably store loads horizontally.

[0232] In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the storage rack 26 comprises at least two additional chambers 50 for horizontal storage of loads. Alternatively, the rack only comprises a single one or is devoid of them.

[0233] Each additional chamber 50 is for example arranged above each of the storage modules 42 of the rack, in the elevation direction Z.

[0234] The additional chambers 50 are arranged, for example, superimposed in the elevation direction Z.

[0235] Each additional chamber 50 is received in the housing 52.

[0236] Each additional chamber 50 comprises at least one upper partition and one lower partition. In addition, each additional chamber 50 preferably comprises two side partitions. Each additional chamber 50 comprises a bottom.

[0237] Said partitions and the bottom of the additional chamber 50 thus delimit a reception space suitable for receiving at least one droppable load 32.

[0238] Preferably, each additional chamber 50 is capable of receiving at least two droppable loads 32 in the reception space.

[0239] Each releasable load 32 is suitable for being stored in the additional chamber 50, so that the direction of elongation of the releasable load 32 is parallel to the transverse direction Y.

[0240] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the releasable loads 32 stored in the additional chamber 50 are arranged successively one after the other in the longitudinal direction X.

[0241] A second embodiment of the rack according to the invention will now be described with reference to [Fig.5]. Only the differences between the first and second modes will be described subsequently.

[0242] In the second embodiment, the rack has a plurality of storage options capable of storing different types of droppable loads 32 having different dimensions, including different maximum lengths taken according to their own directions of elongation.

[0243] The rack then comprises at least two storage modules 42A, 42B and preferably at least three modules 42A, 42B as illustrated.

[0244] In the second embodiment, at least two of the storage modules 42A, 42B have different respective carrying storage lengths.

[0245] More precisely, one of the modules is of a first type 42A, having a first carrying storage length, and another of the modules is of a second type 42B, having a second carrying storage length less than the first carrying storage length.

[0246] Preferably, the second carrying storage length is less than or equal to 90%, advantageously less than or equal to 60%, for example less than or equal to 50%, of the first carrying storage length.

[0247] In the preferred example of [Fig.5], the rack 26 allows for staging of the modules.

[0248] The rack 26 then comprises at least two modules of the second type 42B.

[0249] The two modules of the second type 42B are staggered. The two modules of the second type 42B are thus superimposed on each other in the elevation direction Z.

[0250] The two modules of the second type 42B are arranged following the module of the first type 42A, in the longitudinal direction X.

[0251] Preferably, the drawer 46 of the module of the first type 42A extends over the entire height, taken in the elevation direction Z, of the drawers 46 of the two stepped modules of the second type 42B.

[0252] In the example of [Fig.5], the rack 26 comprises at least four modules of the second type 42B, the modules of the second type 42B forming pairs arranged two by two. The pairs of modules of the second type 42B are arranged successively one after the other in the longitudinal direction X.

[0253] In a variant not illustrated, the rack 26 comprises modules of at least three types, each having different respective carrying storage lengths.

[0254] Those skilled in the art will understand that the number of module types, the number of module(s) of each type, and the payload storage length of each type will vary depending on the flight mission requirements.

[0255] Thanks to the characteristics previously described, the storage rack 26 stores any type of droppable load 32, with a good storage capacity, and a small footprint.

[0256] The rack is further adaptable according to the rules of certification of passages or the dimensional constraints of the aircraft 10.

Claims

Claims

1. Storage rack (26) for droppable loads (32) for an aircraft (10), comprising at least one storage module (42), the storage module (42) comprising a compartment (44) and a drawer (46), the drawer (46) delimiting at least two storage housings (60) for droppable loads (32), the housings (60) being arranged successively one after the other in a transverse direction (Y) of the rack, each housing (60) being elongated in a direction of elongation not parallel to the transverse direction (Y), the drawer (46) being movable relative to the compartment (44) in the transverse direction (Y) between a retracted position, in which the drawer (46) is arranged inside the compartment (44), and an extended position, in which the drawer (46) is arranged at least partly outside the compartment (44).

2. Storage rack (26) according to claim 1, wherein the rack extends in an elevation direction (Z) perpendicular to the transverse direction (Y), and, in projection in a plane parallel to the transverse direction (Y) and to the elevation direction (Z), the direction of elongation of each housing (60) makes an angle of between 45° and 135° with the transverse direction (Y); the direction of elongation of each housing (60) preferably being perpendicular to the transverse direction (Y); the direction of elongation of each housing (60) preferably being parallel to the elevation direction (Z).

3. Storage rack (26) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, in which the drawer (46) has, when the drawer (46) is in the extended position, an access flank (66) to the housings (60) of the drawer (46), the access flank (66) being suitable for allowing a handling operation of the rack by an operator, the handling operation comprising the loading of a releasable load (32) into one of the free housings (60) via the access flank (66) and / or the unloading of a releasable load (32) stored in one of the housings (60) via the access flank (66).

4. The storage rack (26) of claim 3, wherein the drawer (46) comprises a frame (62) and at least one barrier (68), the barrier (68) being secured to the frame (62) on the opposite side of the drawer (46). on the side of the access flank (66), so as to oppose a handling operation on the side opposite the access flank (66).

5. Storage rack (26) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the drawer (46) is capable of being assembled reversibly between two distinct handling configurations, so that the respective sides of the access flanks of the drawer (46) in the handling configurations are opposite each other; the drawer (46) being capable of passing, preferably, from one of the handling configurations to the other by rotation of the drawer (46), for example 180° relative to the transverse direction (Y).

6. Storage rack (26) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the storage module (42) comprises a system (48) for guiding the movement of the drawer (46) relative to the compartment (44), the guiding system (48) comprises at least one sliding rail (70), each sliding rail comprising a movable element, fixed to the drawer (46), and a fixed element, fixed to the compartment (44), the fixed and movable elements of the sliding rail (70) cooperating with each other to allow the movement of the drawer (46) between the extended and retracted positions.

7. Storage rack (26) according to claim 6, taken in combination with claim 5, wherein the guidance system (48) is configured so that the fixed elements have the same respective positions relative to the compartment (44) in the handling configurations and so that, for each mobile element, the fixed element with which the mobile element cooperates in one of the handling configurations is different from the fixed element with which the mobile element cooperates in the other of the configurations.

8. Storage rack (26) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the rack comprises a detection system (54) for the droppable loads (32) stored in the rack, the detection system (54) comprising: - for each housing (60), a detection sensor (74) capable of acquiring data representative of a presence or absence of droppable load (32) stored in the housing (60); and - a processing unit (76) connected to each detection sensor (74), the processing unit (76) being configured to determine information representative of an identification and / or of a count of droppable loads (32) stored in the rack from the data acquired by each detection sensor (74); said representative information preferably comprising a matrix of positions of the droppable loads (32) stored in the rack, the matrix of positions being representative of the location of each housing (60) storing a droppable load (32).

9. Storage rack (26) according to claim 8, wherein the detection system (54) comprises, for each storage module (42), an identification element (82) of the storage module (42) suitable for being scanned, by a reading device, to obtain said information determined by the processing unit (76); and / or wherein the detection system (54) comprises, for each storage module (42), a display device (84) connected to the processing unit (76), the display device (84) comprising a screen (86) and a display management unit (88) configured to display on the screen (86) a graphical representation of said representative information determined by the processing unit (76).

10. Storage rack (26) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rack comprises at least two storage modules (42), the storage modules (42) being arranged successively one after the other in a longitudinal direction (X) of the rack, the longitudinal direction (X) being perpendicular to the transverse direction (Y) and to the elevation direction (Z).

11. Storage rack (26) according to claim 10, in which the housings (60) of each storage module (42A, 42B) have the same carrying storage length, at least two of the storage modules (42A, 42B) having different carrying storage lengths.

12. Storage rack (26) according to claim 11, wherein one of the modules is of a first type (42A), having a first carrying storage length, and another of the modules is of a second type (42B), having a second carrying storage length less than the first carrying storage length, at least two modules of the second type (42B) preferably being staggered in the elevation direction (Z).

13. A storage rack (26) according to any preceding claim, wherein the rack stores droppable loads (32), each droppable load (32) being elongated in a direction of elongation, each droppable load (32) being received in one of the housings (60) such that the direction of elongation is parallel to the direction of elevation (Z).

14. Storage rack (26) according to claim 13, in which each releasable load (32) stored in one of the housings (60) is a buoy carrying at least one acoustic sensor, a marker diffusion system, the marker being for example a smoke bomb or a coloring marker.

15. An aircraft (10) comprising at least one storage rack (26) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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