Electronic enclosure, manufacturing process and associated aircraft

Abstract

Electronic housing (1) intended to house at least partially at least one electronic circuit board (50), the housing (1) comprising: a plate (10) at least partially curved which is at least made of a composite material, the plate (10) being traversed by at least one compartment (11, 12), at least one metallic insert (30) which extends at least partially into the plate (10) along at least one surface of the plate delimiting said compartment (11, 12), said metallic insert (30) being capable of supporting an interconnection device (40) thus fixedly mounted on the plate (10). Aircraft comprising an electronic housing (1). Method for manufacturing an electronic housing (1). FIGURE IN ABRIDGED DIAGRAM: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Electronic housing, manufacturing method and associated aircraft

[0001] The present invention relates to the fields of electronics and materials.

[0002] The present invention thus relates to an electronic housing comprising at least one part made of a composite material and at least one part made of a metallic material.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such an electronic housing.

[0004] The present invention also relates to an aircraft comprising such an electronic housing. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In the field of aeronautics, electronic enclosures are subjected to increasingly demanding environments.

[0006] Consequently, the volume allocated to electronic components must be limited and the heat emanating from these various components must be dissipated to the maximum.

[0007] Furthermore, electronic packages may incorporate unconventional structures requiring the electronic components of such a package to adapt to the shapes of such structures.

[0008] Existing electronic boxes therefore struggle to meet these different constraints. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention is intended in particular to address at least partially the aforementioned drawbacks. Summary of the invention

[0010] To this end, the invention provides an electronic housing intended to house at least partially at least one electronic card, the housing comprising: - a plate, at least partially curved, which is made of at least one composite material, the plate being traversed by at least one compartment, - at least one metallic insert which extends at least partially into the plate along at least one surface of the plate delimiting said compartment, said metallic insert being capable of supporting an interconnection device thus fixedly mounted on the plate.

[0011] Thus, the invention can be advantageously integrated into an unconventional space. Indeed, due to its curved shape, which differs from a traditional parallelepiped shape, the invention can be arranged in small volumes, for example around rounded rooms.

[0012] Moreover, the invention proves to be relatively lightweight thanks to the composite material base plate.

[0013] According to optional features, used individually or in whole or in combination: - the compartment is a first compartment, the plate being further traversed by a second compartment, the first compartment and the second compartment being separated by a wall of the plate; - at least one composite material includes carbon fibers; - the interconnection device is intended to interconnect at least two electronic boards, the interconnection device being fixedly mounted on the board via the metal insert; - the case is intended to house at least partially at least two electronic boards, the at least two electronic boards being interconnected via the interconnection device; - the interconnection device is arranged in the compartment and comprises a body provided with a plurality of electrically conductive tracks and at least two connectors, the electrically conductive tracks extending between one of the two connectors and the other of the two connectors; - the interconnection device and the circuit board form a single, monobloc piece; - the insert is formed of a plurality of segments, the segments being juxtaposed with a gap separating each of the pairs of adjacent segments; - the insert has a plurality of pins, the pins being arranged to penetrate the plate and to fix the insert to the plate.

[0014] The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising an electronic housing.

[0015] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an electronic housing intended to house at least partially at least one electronic card, the method comprising at least the following steps: - Position at least one metal insert on at least one mold, - drape at least two curved molds individually, - assembler les différents moules entre eux, - apply a resin to the mold assembly, - polymériser la résine, - démouler la forme obtenue et - cut at least one partition to form at least one compartment.

[0016] The invention also relates to the interconnection device for interconnecting at least two electronic boards, the device comprising a body based on at least one polymer material and a plurality of electrically conductive tracks extending from a first face of said body to a second face of the body.

[0017] According to the invention, the interconnection device comprises a first connector fixedly mounted on the first face of the body and a second connector fixedly mounted on the second face of the body, the first connector being at least in electrical contact with the electrically conductive tracks and being intended to be connected to a first electronic board and the second connector being at least in electrical contact with the electrically conductive tracks and being intended to be connected to a second electronic board.

[0018] According to optional features, used individually or in whole or in combination: - the body comprises a first side wall, a second side wall and a base which extends between the first side wall and the second side wall, the first connector being mounted on one face of the first side wall, forming the first face of the body, and the second connector being mounted on one face of the second side wall, forming the second face of the body; - the interconnection device includes at least one electronic component mounted on the base of the body, the electronic component being electrically connected to at least one electrically conductive track; - the base extends so as to form at least one cavity between the first side wall or the second side wall, the electronic component being arranged in the cavity; - the interconnection device comprising an electromagnetic shielding element arranged at least in part on a face of the base opposite that of the base bearing at least part of the electrically conductive tracks; - the face of the base bearing at least part of the electrically conductive tracks is arranged in the cavity; - the body forms a sector of a ring; - the body includes at least one fixing flange intended to fix the interconnection device to a support; - the body presents, in a section perpendicular to the first face and / or the second face, an alternation of crenellations open alternately in a first direction and a second direction, opposed to each other.

[0019] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an interconnection device comprising the following steps: - to form the body; - forming a plurality of electrically conductive tracks extending between the first face of the body and the second face of the body; - mount the first connector on the first side of the body and the second connector on the second side of the body.

[0020] The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising an interconnection device.

[0021] Therefore, the aforementioned interconnection devices are advantageously fixed to the inserts to be secured to the electronic housing. Furthermore, said inserts facilitate heat transfer from the interconnection devices, the heat coming from the electronic components carried by said interconnection devices to the electronic housing's circuit board.

[0022] Such a case thus proves to be simple in structure and / or assembly.

[0023] In addition, such a housing exhibits good resistance to vibration and / or temperature and / or thermomechanical stresses.

[0024] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a particular, non-limiting embodiment of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] Reference will be made to the attached drawings, among which:

[0026] [Fig.1] [Fig.1] is a perspective view of an electronic housing according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

[0027] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a front view of an insert contained in the electronic housing illustrated in [Fig.1];

[0028] [Fig. 3] [Fig. 3] is a schematic view of the insertion of a metallic insert into the electronic box illustrated in [Fig.1];

[0029] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the electronic housing illustrated in the [Fig.1] carrying interconnection devices;

[0030] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a cross-sectional view of the electronic housing illustrated in [Fig.3] including electronic cards;

[0031] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of a first type of device integrated interconnection in the electronic box illustrated in [Fig.1];

[0032] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a second type of device integrated interconnection in the electronic box illustrated in [Fig.1];

[0033] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of a set of molds allowing the manufacturing of the electronic box illustrated in [Fig.1]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] With reference to Figures 1 to 8, an electronic housing 1 according to a particular embodiment of the invention will be described. The housing is here carried by an aircraft. For example, the unit is mounted on one of the aircraft's engines. This application is by no means exhaustive, and the unit could be mounted elsewhere on the aircraft, on another vehicle, or used in any other application.

[0035] The electronic housing 1 is here shaped to be at least partly curved.

[0036] The electronic housing 1 is thus shaped so that it can be arranged around a circular body such as for example an aircraft engine and in particular an aircraft engine nacelle.

[0037] The electronic housing 1 includes a circuit board 10.

[0038] The plate 10 is here at least partly curved.

[0039] In the illustrated example, the plate 10 is entirely curved. The plate 10 thus extends circumferentially along a curve a.

[0040] The plate 10 extends over an angular sector only in its circumferential direction. The plate 10 is globally shaped into a sector of a ring. In other words, the plate 10 is globally shaped into an arc of a circle.

[0041] The plate 10 thus has a front face 100 and a rear face 101 which are opposite each other, said front face 100 and rear face 101 being connected at the top by an outer wall 103 and at the bottom by an inner wall 104. The plate 10 also includes a first end wall 105 and a second end wall 106, each located at a circumferential end of the plate 10. Each end wall radially joins the outer wall 103 to the inner wall 104.

[0042] The front faces 100 and rear faces 101 extend for example parallel to each other and / or to a plane whose normal is an axial direction X of the plate 10.

[0043] The outer wall 103 is curved and defined by a center O and a radius of curvature r. Preferably, the outer wall 103 is extended at each of its axial ends by two borders extending radially outwards. These borders have a curvature with the same center O.

[0044] The inner wall 104 is also curved and is defined here by the same center O as the outer wall 103. Preferably, the inner wall 104 is extended at each of its axial ends by two borders extending radially inwards. These borders have a curvature with the same center O. Furthermore, the inner wall 104 has a projection extending from the inner wall 104 in the opposite direction to the outer wall 103. The projection extends, for example, radially. The projection also extends over its entire thickness (along the axial direction X). The projection has a cross-section (along a cutting plane normal to the axial direction X) which is triangular.

[0045] The plate 10 is traversed by at least one compartment extending along the axial direction X. For example, a first compartment 11 and a second compartment 12 are provided in the plate. The first compartment 11 is separated from the second compartment 12 by an internal wall 13 forming an integral part of the plate 10. Both compartments 11 and 12 extend through the plate 10 in the axial direction X. Both compartments 11 and 12 open at their axial ends at the front face 100 and the rear face 101 of the plate 10. In this embodiment, the plate 10 has a first central rim 14 in the first compartment 11 and a second central rim 15 in the second compartment 12. The first central rim 14 forms a projection on the surface of the plate 10, extending radially into the first compartment 11.Similarly, the second central rim 15 forms an outgrowth on the surface of the plate 10, extending radially inside the second compartment 12.

[0046] The plate 10 is made of at least one composite material and for example is made of a single composite material.

[0047] The composite material is, for example, a carbon fiber composite material, and for example, a carbon fiber-based material itself made of pitch-based carbon fibers and / or polyacrylonitrile. The material has high thermal conductivity. By "high," it is meant that the composite material has a thermal conductivity greater than 100 Watts per meter per Kelvin. To this end, the fibers of the composite material themselves have a thermal conductivity of between 300 and 800 Watts per meter per Kelvin.

[0048] Preferably, the electronic housing 1 comprises at least one insert 30 to surround at least part of one of the compartments, and more specifically to surround at least part of the interior of said compartment. Here, the electronic housing 1 comprises two inserts 30 per compartment.

[0049] For example, the electronic housing 1 comprises a first insert 30.1 and a second insert 30.2, each conforming to the surface of the first compartment 11, within it, and a third insert 30.3 and a fourth insert 30.4, each conforming to the surface of the second compartment 12, within it. Here, the compartment 11 and the compartment 12 are each surrounded internally, at least partially, by a pair of inserts 30.1 and 30.2, and 30.3 and 30.4, respectively. Hereafter, the two inserts associated with the same compartment will be referred to as "insert pairs".

[0050] The first insert 30.1 is arranged in the first compartment 11 so as to come resting on one face of the first central rim 14. It is closer to the front face 100 than to the rear face 101 of the plate 10. The second insert 30.2 is arranged in the first compartment 11 so as to rest on a second face of the first central rim 14. It is closer to the rear face 101 than to the front face 100 of the plate 10. Inserts 30.1 and 30.2 thus sandwich the first central rim 14. Insert 30.1 is therefore closer to insert 30.2 than to the front face 100, and insert 30.2 is therefore closer to insert 30.1 than to the rear face 101. Insert 30.1 is thus closer to the center of the plate 10 (along the axial direction X) than to the front face 100. Insert 30.2 is thus closer to the center of the plate 10 (along the axial direction X) than to the rear face 101.

[0051] The third insert 30.3 is arranged in compartment 12 so as to bear against a first face of the second central rim 15. It is closer to the front face 100 than to the rear face 101 of the plate 10, and the fourth insert 30.4 is arranged in compartment 12 so as to bear against a second face of the second central rim 15. It is closer to the rear face 101 than to the front face 100 of the plate 10. Inserts 30.3 and 30.4 thus sandwich the second central rim 15. Insert 30.3 is therefore closer to insert 30.4 than to the front face 100, and insert 30.4 is thus closer to insert 30.3 than to the rear face 101. Insert 30.3 is thus closer to the center of plate 10 (along the axial direction X) than of front face 100. Insert 30.4 is thus closer to the center of plate 10 (along the axial direction X) than to rear face 101.

[0052] In the present case, the various inserts 30.1 to 30.4 are all identical. The following description generally considers an insert 30. By way of example, this insert is considered to be intended for compartment 11. This description is, however, applicable by analogy to inserts 30.3 and 30.4 intended for compartment 12.

[0053] Here, the insert 30 fits at least in part inside the compartment 11, for example by resting on the central rim 14, and the plate 10 (and therefore the compartment 11) being curved, the insert 30 is also curved.

[0054] The insert 30 comprises a frame 31 and an intermediate arm 33. The frame 31 has a curved upper section and a curved lower section. The frame 31 is arranged so that its curved upper section is attached to the curved outer wall 103 of the compartment 11. The frame 31 is arranged so that its curved lower section is attached to the curved inner wall 104 of the compartment 11. In this example, the upper section is continuous, while the lower section is discontinuous, as detailed below.

[0055] Furthermore, the frame 31 has a first side connecting the upper and lower sections of the frame 31 and arranged to be attached to the first end wall 105. The frame 31 also has a second side connecting the upper and lower sections of the frame 31 and arranged to be attached to the second wall end 106. Said sides are preferably straight and not curved. Said sides preferably extend radially into the plate 10.

[0056] The intermediate arm 33 extends radially between the lower and upper sections of the frame 31, so that it divides the compartment 11 into at least two sub-compartments. For example, the intermediate arm 33 divides the compartment 11 into at least two sub-compartments of identical volume.

[0057] In the present case, the intermediate arm 33 extends between the center of the lower section and the center of the upper section of the frame 31 so as to form a central edge of the plate 10.

[0058] The insert 30, in particular the frame 31 and the intermediate arm 33 have here the same thickness (along the axial direction X).

[0059] The insert 30 is thus shaped to present a double rectangular cross-section.

[0060] Optionally, frame 31 is not closed.

[0061] This facilitates the manufacture of an insert and / or reduces the manufacturing costs of an insert and / or makes an insert less sensitive to thermal expansion problems.

[0062] The frame 31 thus has at least one opening, that is to say a break in peripheral continuity. This opening is, for example, arranged at the lower section of the frame 31. For example, the frame 31 has a first opening at the portion of the lower section extending between the first side and the intermediate arm 33 and a second opening at the portion of the lower section extending between the intermediate arm 33 and the second side.

[0063] The inserts of a pair are also preferably arranged in the associated compartments so that the openings of their frames extend two by two in the continuation of one another (preferably along the axial direction X).

[0064] Preferably, the insert 30 has fastening means 34 framing each of the openings. Preferably, each of the fastening means 34 extends over the entire thickness of the insert 30.

[0065] The insert 30 is preferably made of a metallic material. For example, the insert 30 is made of or based on aluminum. For example, the insert 30 is made of aluminum alloy.

[0066] Advantageously, the insert 30 contributes to improving the transverse thermal conductivity of the plate 10.

[0067] Preferably, the insert 30 is composed of a plurality of segments 20. The different segments 20 are not fixed to one another. The different segments 20 are thus simply placed side by side to form the insert 30.

[0068] Insert 30 is thus fragmented.

[0069] This makes it possible, for example, to limit the effects of thermal expansion at the level of the insert 30 and / or to limit the manufacturing cost of the insert 30 and / or to facilitate the manufacturing of the insert 30.

[0070] It is thus understood that one or more or all of the compartments are associated with at least one segment 20. The electronic housing 1 thus comprises a plurality of segments 20. The insert 30 thus comprises a plurality of segments 20.

[0071] Segments 20 are thermally conductive.

[0072] The segments 20 forming the various inserts are therefore made of metal. For example, the segments 20 are made of or based on aluminum. For example, the segments 20 are made of aluminum alloy.

[0073] Therefore, the segments 20 can be designed by an additive manufacturing process or by electro-erosion or by friction stir welding (FSW), etc.

[0074] Preferably, at least one of the segments 20 has one or more pins 60. The pin(s) 60 are adapted to penetrate the material of the plate 10, as shown in [Fig. 3]. The pins 60 allow the segments 20 to be fixed to the plate 10.

[0075] More specifically, at least one face of the segments 20 comprises at least one pin 60. Preferably, at least one lower face of the segments 20 comprises a plurality of pins 60. Furthermore, at least one upper face of the segments 20, opposite the lower face, is smooth. Thus, the face(s) of the segments 20 comprising pins 60 are inserted into the plate 10, and the smooth face(s) of the segments 20 can be used to attach at least one electronic board. The segments 20 may have pins 60 on each of the faces in contact with the plate 10. In particular, pins may be present on the lateral face in contact with the central rim 14 or 15.

[0076] The pins 60, by their penetration into the thickness of the plate 10, make it possible to increase the transverse thermal conductivity of the electronic housing 1.

[0077] It is therefore understood that in order to form the different inserts, it is necessary to insert the segments 20 into the plate 10 using the pins 60 of the segments 20 for this purpose.

[0078] Here, there are at least two different shapes of metal segments 20. For example, there are between two and ten different shapes allowing the formation of the different inserts and, for example, between four and eight different shapes of segments.

[0079] With these different shapes, it is thus possible to draw the various aforementioned inserts of the plate 10.

[0080] A first type 21 of segment resembles a fragment shaped into a rounded salient angle. More precisely, the first type 21 of segment resembles a fragment shaped into a rounded right angle. A second type 22 of segment resembles a straight or curved fragment.

[0081] A third type of segment 23 is similar to a fragment shaped into a rounded salient angle, one of the fractions forming said angle being extended by a straight or curved fraction. This straight or curved fraction is substantially bent at one of its ends. This straight or curved fraction thus forms a fastening means 34 for the associated frame. More precisely, the third type of segment 23 is similar to a fragment shaped into a rounded right angle, one of the fractions forming said angle being extended by the fastening means 34.

[0082] A fourth type of segment 24 is similar to a fragment formed into a first straight or curved fraction whose ends are substantially inflected, a second fraction extending orthogonally from the first fraction. The second fraction here extends from the middle of the first fraction.

[0083] A fifth type of segment 25 is similar to a fragment formed into a first straight or curved fraction whose ends are straight, a second fraction extending orthogonally from the first fraction. The second fraction here extends from the middle of the first fraction.

[0084] A sixth type of segment 26 is similar to the first type of segment 21. The sixth type 26 of segment resembles a fragment shaped into a rounded salient angle. More precisely, the sixth type 26 of segment resembles a fragment shaped into a rounded right angle.

[0085] A seventh type of segment 27 is similar to the third type of segment 23. The seventh type of segment 27 resembles a fragment shaped into a rounded salient angle, one of the fractions forming said angle being extended by a straight or curved fraction. This straight or curved fraction is substantially bent at one of its ends. This straight or curved fraction thus forms a fastening means 34 for the associated frame. More precisely, the seventh type of segment 27 resembles a fragment shaped into a rounded right angle, one of the fractions forming said angle being extended by the fastening means 34.

[0086] Since the segments 20 can include pins 60, it is understood that the types of segments described above form the insert 30 while always having the pins 60 facing the plate 10.

[0087] The length of the different segments varies from about 20 millimeters to about 50 millimeters.

[0088] For example, at least one of the frames is defined by the following sequence of segments: - A segment 23, - A segment 22 extending between the end of segment 23, which does not form a rim, and the end of segment 21, - Said segment 21, - At least one segment 22 (and for example between one and five segments 22 and for example three segments 22) extending between said segment 21 and an endpoint of the first fraction of a segment 25, - Said segment 25, - At least one segment 22 (and for example between one and five segments 22 and for example three segments 22) extending between the other end of the first fraction of segment 25 and a segment 26, - Said segment 26, - A segment 22 extending between the other end of segment 26 and an end of a segment 27 not forming a rim, and, - Said segment 27, - At least one segment 22 extending between the free end of the second fraction of segment 25 and the free end of the second fraction of a segment 24, - Said segment 24.

[0089] Segments 23, 24 and 27 thus delimit the openings of the frame formed by the set of segments 20.

[0090] It is thus understood that the electronic housing 1 is formed at least in part from a hybrid assembly: composite plate / metal inserts.

[0091] The electronic housing 1 also includes at least one interconnection device 40, more visible in figures 6 and 7.

[0092] With reference to Figures 6 and 7, the interconnecting device 40 comprises a body 200, which is shown here as curved. The body 200 is generally shaped into a sector of a ring. The body 200 traces, here, a sinusoid with rounded or unrounded peaks and troughs.

[0093] The body 200 is preferably made entirely of a polymer material. Preferably, the polymer material is a thermoplastic. Preferably, the polymer material is a thermoplastic and, for example, polyetheretherketone, more commonly known as PEEK. Other thermoplastic materials that can be considered include polyphenylene sulfide, more commonly known as PPS, polyphthalamide, more commonly known as PPA, or liquid crystal polymer, more commonly known as LCP.

[0094] The interconnecting device 40 further comprises a plurality of electrically conductive tracks 210 (hereafter referred to as conductive tracks) arranged on the body 200. The conductive tracks 210 are made of an electrically conductive material such as a metallic material. For example, the conductive tracks 210 are made of copper. Preferably, the tracks 210 are made of copper and coated with one or more additional layers. For example, the tracks 210 are made of copper and are coated with a layer of nickel (for example, on the order of a few micrometers (pm) thick), which is itself coated with a layer of gold (for example, on the order of a few tens of nanometers (nm) thick). The nickel layer protects the copper and acts as a diffusion barrier. The gold layer, in turn, prevents the nickel from oxidizing. Alternatively, or in addition, at least one of the 210 tracks could be made of silver and / or silver ink and / or carbon ink and / or copper ink, etc.

[0095] Thus, the body 200 is made of polymer material, on which conductive tracks 210 made of metal rest.

[0096] The interconnection device 40 also includes at least two connectors 220. The connectors 220 are mounted on the body 200 to electrically interconnect at least two electronic boards (printed circuit board type) together. The connectors 220 are, for example, soldered onto the body 200. For example, a SAC305 solder joint can be made (SAC305 being a lead-free alloy containing (by mass) 96.5% tin, 3% silver, and 0.5% copper) and / or a SAC105 solder joint (SAC105 being a lead-free, low-temperature alloy) and / or an Sn60Pb40 solder joint (Sn60Pb40 being a lead alloy containing (by mass) 60% tin and 40% lead). Preferably, each of the connectors 220 is formed into a strip comprising a plurality of connection elements. Each connecting element here forms a female insertion element of a male connecting element belonging to the electronic board that one wishes to insert into the associated connector.Each connecting element thus forms an insertion point for a pin on an electronic board or an additional connector.

[0097] The at least two connectors 220 are arranged so as to extend transversely across the conductive tracks 210. Preferably, each connector 220 extends over a greater length than the succession of conductive tracks 210. All the conductive tracks 210 are thus covered (at each of their axial ends) by one of the connectors 220 respectively.

[0098] When the interconnecting device 40 is arranged on the board 10, it extends through one of the board's compartments. Preferably, the electronic housing 1 has at least two interconnecting devices 40 (one for each compartment) and preferably at least four interconnecting devices 40 (two for each compartment). For example, a first interconnecting device extends through the first sub-compartment of the first compartment 11, a second interconnecting device extends through the second sub-compartment of the first compartment 11, a third interconnecting device extends through the first sub-compartment of the second compartment 12, and a fourth interconnecting device extends through the second sub-compartment of the second compartment 12. compartment 12. From then on, each interconnection device 40 is fixedly mounted on one of the first or second pair of inserts previously described.

[0099] The following description of the arrangement of one of the interconnection devices 40 is applicable to the other interconnection devices 40.

[0100] The interconnecting device 40 extends through the plate 10 in the axial direction X. The interconnecting device 40 is entirely arranged inside the plate 10.

[0101] The interconnecting device 40 extends more precisely into one of the compartments of the plate 10. The interconnecting device 40 extends more precisely into one of the sub-compartments of the plate 10. Thus the interconnecting device 40 extends between one side of the sub-compartment considered and its intermediate arm 33.

[0102] In particular, the interconnecting device 40 is arranged on the inner wall of the sub-compartment in question. Preferably, the interconnecting device 40 is shaped to at least partially conform to the shape of said inner wall. The interconnecting device 40 extends entirely within the associated sub-compartment and thus does not protrude from the plate 10. Furthermore, as stated previously, each interconnecting device 40 is fixedly mounted on one of the first or second pair of inserts described above. For example, the interconnecting device 40 is attached to said inserts by means of mounting flanges 230.

[0103] More specifically, each interconnecting device 40 is housed in the opening of one of the first or second pair of inserts. In particular, it is thus understood that the interconnecting device 40 extends successively through one of the openings of the first of the two inserts surrounding the compartment in question and through one of the openings of the second of the two inserts surrounding said compartment.

[0104] In this position, one of the connectors 220 of said interconnecting device 40 extends along the front face 100 of the plate 10 and the other of the connectors 220 extends along the rear face 101 of the plate 10. Preferably, one of the connectors 220 of said interconnecting device 40 extends in a plane parallel to the front face 100 of the plate 10 and the other of the connectors 220 extends in a plane parallel to the rear face 101 of the plate 10. The interconnecting device 40 extends into the plate 10, but said connectors 220 do not protrude from said front face 100 and rear face 101. Preferably, the interconnecting device 40 is screwed onto the electronic housing 1. As stated previously, the interconnecting device 40 is fixed to at least one and preferably both inserts arranged in the associated sub-compartment, via its fixing flanges 230.For example, the interconnecting device 40 is fixed to at least one of the inserts associated at the level of . the opening of said insert. For example, the interconnecting device 40 is fixed to at least one and preferably to all segments 23 and 24 or 27 and 24 delimiting said opening.

[0105] With reference to [Fig. 5], the interconnecting device 40 is arranged to interconnect at least two electronic boards 50. Thus, for a given interconnecting device 40, a first connector 220 is connected to a first electronic board and a second connector 220 is connected to a second electronic board. This connection is made, for example, by means of the cooperation of the male and female components described above.

[0106] Thanks to the connectors 220 and the conductive tracks 210, the two electronic boards 50 are thus electrically interconnected.

[0107] When connected, the electronic cards 50 preferably extend parallel to each other. When connected, the electronic cards 50 extend outside the body 200 on either side of it.

[0108] The interconnection device 40 thus makes it possible to connect the electronic cards 50 without encroaching excessively on their active working surface.

[0109] The described interconnection device 1 can thus be called plastronic interconnection device 1 since it involves both plastics engineering and electronics.

[0110] The electronic housing 1 thus described proves to be simple in structure and / or assembly.

[0111] In addition, such a housing exhibits good resistance to vibration and / or temperature and / or in thermomechanical constraints.

[0112] A method for manufacturing such an electronic housing 1, according to a particular implementation, will now be described.

[0113] The manufacturing process comprises at least the following successive steps. - Position metal inserts on at least one mold (step 1).

[0114] Preferably, in step 1, the inserts are positioned in a first mold M1 and a second mold M2. At least one of the smooth faces of each of the segments 20 forming the insert is placed against the associated mold. Consequently, the prongs 60 of said segments are turned outwards. Preferably, the first mold M1 and / or the second mold M2 have notches to accommodate the segments 20. This facilitates the insertion of the segments 20 into the first mold M1 and / or the second mold M2. - Drape at least one dry preform onto at least one of the molds (step 2).

[0115] In practice, on each of the molds, a stack of fibrous plies is deposited individually. Preferably, the fibrous plies are dry, unprepreg plies. Therefore, the dry plies form a dry preform. The dry preform is composed of carbon fibers such as pitch-based carbon fibers and / or polyacrylonitrile.

[0116] In the present case, the stack of fibrous plies covers at least in part the first mold M1, the second mold M2, a third mold M3, a fourth mold M4 and a fifth mold M5.

[0117] As illustrated in [Fig. 8], the first mold M1 and the second mold M2 are identical. The third mold M3 and the fourth mold M4 are also identical.

[0118] The molds M1 and M2 are intended to be joined together so that the bottoms of said molds (intended to form the future compartments of the plate) are relatively close, without contact being established between said bottoms of the molds.

[0119] Mold M5 is intended to be positioned straddling the first mold M1 and the second mold M2 at their upper portions. Mold M4 is intended to be positioned straddling the first mold M1 and the second mold M2 at their lower portions. Mold M3 is intended to be positioned straddling the first mold M1 and the second mold M2 at their lower portions. Molds M3 and M4 are intended to be joined together at the flat ends of each of said molds M3 and M4.

[0120] A curved lower face of the first mold M1 is complementary to a curved upper face of the third mold M3 and a curved upper face of the fourth mold M4. The curved lower face of the first mold M1 extends circumferentially along the direction a. Similarly, the curved upper face of the third mold M3 extends circumferentially along the direction a. Similarly, the curved upper face of the fourth mold M4 extends circumferentially along the direction a.

[0121] Furthermore, a curved lower face of the second mold M2 is complementary to the curved upper face of the third mold M3 and the curved upper face of the fourth mold M4. The curved lower face of the second mold M2 extends circumferentially along the direction a. Consequently, the shape of the lower faces of the first and second molds M1, M2 perfectly matches the shape of the upper faces of the third and fourth molds M3, M4.

[0122] Furthermore, a curved upper face of the first mold M1 is complementary to a first portion of a curved lower face of the fifth mold M5. Similarly, a curved upper face of the second mold M2 is complementary to a second portion of the curved lower face of the fifth mold M5. Here, the first and second portions of the fifth mold M5 form a single piece. Preferably, the first portion corresponds to a section of the fifth mold M5 representing half of said fifth mold M5. Preferably, the second portion corresponds to the other section of the fifth mold M5 representing the other half of said fifth mold M5. Therefore, the first mold M1 The second mold, M2, can be considered central elements. Furthermore, the third mold, M3, and the fourth mold, M4, allow the assembly M1 and M2 to be closed from below. In addition, the fifth mold, M5, allows the assembly M1 and M2 to be closed from above.

[0123] In step 2, five individual draping operations are performed. The draping can be performed automatically or manually.

[0124] A first draping is performed on the first mold ML. In other words, a dry preform is placed at the bottom of the first mold ML, on its outside. A second draping is then performed on the second mold M2. In other words, a dry preform is placed at the bottom of the second mold M2, on its outside. A third draping is then performed on the third mold M3. In other words, a dry preform is placed on the curved upper face of the third mold M3. A fourth draping is then performed on the fourth mold M4. In other words, a dry preform is placed on the curved upper face of the fourth mold M4. Finally, a fifth draping is performed on the fifth mold M5. In other words, a dry preform is placed on the lower face of the fifth mold M5. Five draped parts are obtained at the end of this second step.

[0125] From then on, the pins 60 of the segments 20 of the inserts 30, visible during the previous step, are now inserted between the meshes of the dry fabric of the preforms. - Assemble the different molds together (step 3).

[0126] The various molds are fixed together, for example by screwing. When all the molds are assembled, a closed cavity is formed. The assembly is carried out such that:

[0127] - the draped molds M1 and M2 are joined together so that their bottoms are relatively close,

[0128] - the draped M5 mold is arranged straddling the first M1 mold and the second M2 draped mold, in the upper parts thereof,

[0129] - the draped M4 mold rests astride the first draped M1 mold and the second M2 draped mold, in the lower parts thereof,

[0130] - the draped M3 mold rests astride the first draped M1 mold and the second M2 draped, in the lower parts thereof,

[0131] - the draped M3 and M4 molds are joined to each other at their ends plans of each of the said M3 and M4 draped molds.

[0132] Preferably, a seal is applied at least between two adjacent draped molds. A seal is applied at each junction between two adjacent draped molds.

[0133] Preferably, the molds are shaped so as to present at least one overlap zone at their junction.

[0134] This prevents any play between two draped molds. The dry preforms are thus interposed between the different molds during step 3. - Apply a resin to the assembly formed by the preforms and inserts (step 4).

[0135] In step 4, the resin is applied, for example, using a low-pressure injection molding process (also known as Resin Transfer Molding or RTM). As its name suggests, the RTM process includes a step of injecting a liquid resin, this injection step being carried out at low pressure, through the dry fabrics of the preforms. It is understood that the sealing and / or overlapping of one mold onto another helps to limit the risk of resin leakage into a cavity defined by the different molds, particularly at the junction between two molds.

[0136] The resin is for example an epoxy resin and for example a HexFlow (registered trademark) RTM6 resin. - Polymerize the resin (step 5). - Remove the resulting shape from the mold (step 6). - Cut out the wall located in each compartment (step 7).

[0137] During step 7, the walls are cut, except at their peripheral edges, leaving the central edges 14, 15 on which the inserts rest.

[0138] This results in a single-piece multi-material part (dry fabric, resin and metal).

[0139] Optionally, a descaling process is carried out at one, several, or all of the junctions of the different molds. This step proves particularly useful when an excess of resin is observed.

[0140] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described but encompasses any variant falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0141] In particular, the electronic housing may differ from what has been specified. For example, the number of compartments, inserts, segments, connectors, etc., may differ from what has been specified. The insert and / or the segments and / or the circuit board may have a different shape than that described. Thus, although here the frame has an opening at the bottom, a completely closed frame could be considered. Although here each compartment is divided into two sub-compartments, at least one compartment may not be divided into sub-compartments.

[0142] Other manufacturing processes than the one indicated may therefore be used.

[0143] The number of molds and / or their shapes may differ from what has been indicated. Thus, although five molds are used here to produce the electronic housing, it could be considered to use two or more molds depending on the needs of the different applications.

[0144] Although here the interconnection device is attached to and fixed on the electronic housing, the interconnection device may be an integral part of the electronic housing and thus form a single piece with it. For example, the body of said interconnection device may be formed jointly with the electronic housing's circuit board. In this way, the body of the interconnection device and the circuit board will form a single piece. The body may, for example, be made of the same material as the circuit board, or for example, of a composite material. For example, the body may be manufactured and then positioned in the preform of the circuit board before the resin is injected.

[0145] Although here the interconnection device allows electronic boards to be interconnected, in replacement or in addition said device may allow electronic components to be carried.

[0146] Although here the conductive tracks are carried by the interconnecting device, at least one conductive track and / or at least one electronic component may be carried directly by the circuit board. The housing may therefore not include an interconnecting device. For example, a conductive track may be formed directly on the circuit board, for instance, by jet forming. A track and / or an electronic component directly mounted on the circuit board may enable real-time monitoring (known as "Structural Health Monitoring" or "SHM") of the electronic housing.

[0147] Although here it is proposed to fix element A to element B by screwing, other fixing methods could be considered, such as fixing by bonding, for example with epoxy adhesive. In particular, although here the molds are assembled by screwing, another assembly method could be considered. Furthermore, the segments could be without prongs and / or be bonded to the preform.

[0148] Although here each compartment has at least two inserts, at least one compartment may have only one insert.

[0149] Although here the segments of the inserts are independent of each other, at least two segments of at least one insert can be joined together.

[0150] Moreover, although here the insert is formed of individual segments, the insert could consist of only one piece.

Claims

Demands

1. Electronic housing (1) intended to house at least in part at least one electronic card (50), the housing (1) comprising: - a plate (10) at least in part curved which is at least in a composite material, the plate (10) being traversed by at least one compartment (11, 12), - at least one metallic insert (30) which extends at least in part in the plate (10) along at least one surface of the plate delimiting said compartment (11, 12), said metallic insert (30) being capable of supporting an interconnection device (40) thus fixedly mounted on the plate (10).

2. Electronic housing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the compartment is a first compartment (11), the plate (10) further being traversed by a second compartment (12), the first compartment (11) and the second compartment (12) being separated by a wall (13) of the plate (10).

3. Electronic housing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one composite material comprises carbon fibers.

4. Electronic housing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an interconnection device (40) for interconnecting at least two electronic boards, the interconnection device (40) being fixedly mounted on the plate (10) via the metal insert (30).

5. Electronic housing (1) according to claim 4, in which the housing (1) is intended to house at least in part at least two electronic cards (50), the at least two electronic cards being interconnected via the interconnection device (40).

6. Electronic housing (1) according to any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the interconnection device (40) is arranged in the compartment (11, 12) and comprises a body (200) provided with a plurality of electrically conductive tracks (210) and at least two connectors (220), the electrically conductive tracks (210) extending between one of the two connectors (220) and the other of the two connectors (220).

7. Electronic housing (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the interconnection device (40) and the plate (10) form a single, single piece.

8. Electronic housing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (30) is formed of a plurality of segments (20), the segments being juxtaposed with a gap separating each of the pairs of adjacent segments.

9. Electronic housing according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the insert (30) has a plurality of pins (60), the pins being arranged to penetrate the plate (10) and to fix the insert (30) to the plate (10).

10. Aircraft comprising an electronic housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Method of manufacturing an electronic housing (1) intended to house at least in part at least one electronic card (50), the method comprising at least the following steps: - Positioning at least one metal insert on at least one mold, - draping at least two curved molds individually, - assembling the different molds together, - applying a resin to the mold assembly, - polymerizing the resin, - demolding the resulting shape and - cutting at least one partition to form at least one compartment.

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