Cable interconnection support, particularly for aeronautical equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a cable interconnection support (1), particularly for an aircraft, comprising a base (5) shaped to receive a cable interconnection module (2) and at least one element (6) for holding said cables (C) securely attached to said base (5). Abstract figure: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Cable interconnection support, particularly for aeronautical equipment technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable interconnection support for equipment, particularly equipment for the aeronautical field. Prior art

[0002] Due to its complexity, an aircraft is equipped with a very large number of electrical cables and modules for interconnecting these electrical cables. Such modules are in the form of blocks with slots, each slot capable of receiving a dedicated electrical cable. The modules are generally attached to rails which are themselves fixed to equipment on the aircraft, and the cables they carry are connected to a nearby cable harness.

[0003] Such a known arrangement has the disadvantage of requiring several parts and being bulky, and it can therefore prove difficult, time-consuming, and costly to integrate the interconnect modules into their intended environment, particularly at close range to the cable bundles to which they are to be connected. Furthermore, the cables can become tangled, or even be bent and damaged, preventing the electrical circuits from functioning correctly.

[0004] The object of the invention is to remedy at least partially these drawbacks. Summary

[0005] For this purpose, a cable interconnection support is proposed, in particular for an aircraft, comprising a base shaped to receive at least one cable interconnection module and at least one element for holding said cables, integral with said base.

[0006] Thus, thanks to the support according to the present invention, it is possible to adapt the base to the cable interconnection modules, and to fix the module in the suitable environment, in the most appropriate place, that is to say to integrate a cable interconnection module in an optimal way, both simple and inexpensive, while ensuring that the cables are held in the desired position.

[0007] According to another aspect, the gantry includes at least one element for holding said cables extending substantially orthogonally to said base.

[0008] According to another aspect, the support includes means for snapping the module into the support.

[0009] According to another aspect, the base includes an opening.

[0010] According to another aspect, the support includes an anti-rotation element of the support.

[0011] According to another aspect, the support includes a means of securing the support to another support.

[0012] According to another aspect, the securing organ comprises a male engagement element and a receiving element for said male engagement.

[0013] According to another aspect, at least one of the male engagement element and the receiving element of said male engagement is shaped to retain a hose clamp.

[0014] According to another aspect, the support includes at least one bracket for fixing the support.

[0015] The invention also relates to a cable interconnection device, comprising a support as described above, and at least one cable interconnection module housed in the base of the support.

[0016] The invention also relates to a set of cable interconnection devices, comprising at least a first cable interconnection support as described above, a cable interconnection module being housed in the base of said first cable interconnection support and a second cable interconnection support as described above, a cable interconnection module being housed in the base of said second cable interconnection support, said first support and second support being fixed to each other by the fastening members.

[0017] The invention also relates to an aircraft, comprising a cable interconnection support as described above. Brief description of the drawings

[0018] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below and analyzing the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1

[0019] [Fig.1] is a schematic perspective view of a cable interconnection support according to a first embodiment of the invention, also showing a cable interconnection module ready to be housed. Fig. 2

[0020] [Fig.2] is another schematic perspective view of the support of [Fig.1]. Fig. 3

[0021] [Fig.3] illustrates a schematic perspective view of a cable interconnection device comprising the support and module of [Fig.1], fixed to a main cable sheath. Fig. 4

[0022] [Fig.4] illustrates a schematic perspective view of a cable interconnection support according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5

[0023] [Fig.5] is a schematic perspective view of a cable interconnection support according to a second embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6

[0024] [Fig.6] is a schematic perspective view of an interconnection device comprising the support of [Fig.5] and two cable interconnection modules, fixed near a main cable. Fig. 7

[0025] [Fig.7] illustrates a schematic perspective view of a set of two interconnection devices each comprising an interconnection module and a support of the [Fig.1], in a position before the two devices are joined together, the electrical cables not being shown. Fig. 8

[0026] [Fig.8] illustrates a schematic view of the whole of [Fig.7], in a position in which the two devices are joined together, the electrical cables not being shown. Description of the implementation methods

[0027] The examples and associated conditions detailed herein are primarily intended to help the reader understand the principles of the present invention and not to limit its scope to these specific examples and conditions. It will be understood that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or illustrated herein, nevertheless embody the principles of the present invention and are included in its spirit and scope.

[0028] Furthermore, to facilitate understanding, the following description may describe relatively simplified implementations of the present invention. As a person skilled in the art will understand, other implementations of the present invention may be of greater complexity.

[0029] In some cases, examples of modifications to the present invention may also be shown. This is done simply to aid understanding and, again, not to define the scope or establish the limits of the present invention. These modifications are not an exhaustive list, and a person skilled in the art may make other modifications while remaining within the scope of the present invention.

[0030] Furthermore, all the following statements relating to the principles, aspects and implementations of the present invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both the structural and functional equivalents thereof, whether currently known or developed in the future.

[0031] As can be seen from the figures, the invention relates to a support 1 for interconnecting electrical cables C. This is also referred to as a gantry 1. Each support 1 is intended to house at least one electrical cable interconnection module. The invention also relates to a device 2 comprising the support 1 and at least one module M.

[0032] Each module comprises a block 3, for example of general parallelepiped shape, provided with openings 4 for the passage of electrical cables on a face F, each opening 4 being able to receive an electrical cable C.

[0033] As can also be seen from the figures, the support 1 comprises a base 5 and an element 6 for holding the cables C. The gantry 1 is intended to be suspended against equipment, for example from a main cable 7 to which the cables C are to be connected, or fixed near it. It should be noted that the main cable 7 advantageously has a circular cross-section or at least a curved one.

[0034] Element 6 comprises at least one ear or strap 8, as will be detailed later.

[0035] The base 5 is shaped to receive a single module (first embodiment) or several modules, as will be detailed later. Each module is placed on the base 5, with a face opposite face F resting on the base 5.

[0036] The base 5 has a general shape of a flat parallelepiped. A principal plane of the base 5 is defined as the principal plane of extension of the base 5, referenced P in the figures.

[0037] Preferably, the base 5 is part of a platform 9 having at least one side 10 for holding each module in the support 1.

[0038] The platform 9 includes at least one snap-on means 11 of the module in the support 1.

[0039] The support 1 also advantageously includes an anti-rotation element 12.

[0040] Advantageously, the support 1 is provided with means 13 for securing the support 1 to another support, as will be detailed later.

[0041] Advantageously, the support 1 includes at least one fixing tab 14, as will also be detailed later.

[0042] The first embodiment is now described, with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0043] In Figures 1 to 4, the platform 9 comprises three retaining sides and two sides end, 10-1, 10-2 and a joining side 10-3, of the two end sides 10-1, 10-2. Each retaining side is a wall.

[0044] The retaining sides 10-1, 10-2, 10-3 extend substantially orthogonally to the base 5, forming a U. The two end sides 10-1, 10-2 face each other and are parallel. Thus, a volume V is delimited by the platform 9, between the base 5 and the retaining sides 10-1 to 10-3, to receive the module.

[0045] According to this first embodiment, the volume V is adjusted to the dimensions of a module. In other words, the support 1 accommodates a single module. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment, and it is conceivable that the platform could house several modules 2.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the base 5 and the connecting side 10-3 each comprise a central opening 15, 16, while the end sides 10-1, 10-2 are solid. The openings 15, 16 advantageously provide lower weight, greater flexibility, and, optionally, cooling of the module. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment, and it is possible to have the base 5 and / or the side 10-3 be solid, and / or the sides 10-1, 10-2 be provided with openings.

[0047] As particularly visible on [Fig.1], the end sides 10-1, 10-2 carry the snap-in means 11 in the form of grooves / ribs 17 in which complementary ribs / grooves 18 of block 3 slide.

[0048] The platform 9 includes a clamp 19 on each end side 10-1, 10-2. Each clamp 19 has two V-shaped bars 19-1, 19-2, forming an obtuse angle, for example of 120°. The bars are intended to be placed against the main cable 7, as will be detailed later.

[0049] According to this first embodiment, the fastening means 13 provide a male-female type connection. The means 13 comprise, on the one hand, a male engagement element 20 and, on the other hand, a cylinder 21 having an opening with a shape complementary to that of the male engagement element 20. The male engagement element 20 protrudes from the end side 10-1, while the cylinder 21 protrudes from the end side 10-2. The cylinder 21 is intended to be placed on the sheath of the main cable 7.

[0050] The cylinder 21 comprises a body extending between an end fixed to the platform 9 and a free end 21E. The free end 21E has a diameter greater than that of the body of the cylinder 21, which creates a shoulder E of the cylinder 21. The shoulder E allows a clamping collar 23 to be retained, as will be detailed later.

[0051] The male engagement element 20 has a main surface 20p and a head 20t inclined relative to the main surface 20p. The main surface 20p is preferably curved to conform to the shape of the equipment, for example, the sheath, preferably circular, against which it is intended to be in contact. The inclination of the head 20t allows for the retention of a hose clamp, as will be detailed later.

[0052] According to this first embodiment, the anti-rotation element 12 is a fin integral with the cylinder 21 which, when the cylinder is placed on the sheath of the main cable 7, prevents the device 2 from pivoting

[0053] It is noted that the cylinder 21, like the element 20, has a curved surface panel, this panel being intended to come against the cable for better support.

[0054] As also illustrated in the figures, the support 1 comprises two facing lugs 8-1, 8-2. Each lug 8-1, 8-2 comprises an inverted U attached on one side to the joining side 10-3 and on one of the end sides 10-1, 10-2, respectively. The lugs extend orthogonally to the principal plane of the base 5. At the apex of each U, the lug 8-1, 8-2 comprises a Y-shaped lug 22 for the passage of a hose clamp, as will be detailed later. Alternatively, the lug 22 may be T-shaped, for example. The Y or T shape of the lugs 22 allows the hose clamps 23 to be retained.

[0055] According to an alternative embodiment, illustrated in [Fig.4], the support 1 comprises two fixing tabs 14 attached to the base 5. Each tab includes a hole for inserting a screw.

[0056] To obtain the device 2 from the support 1, reference is made to [Fig. 1]. As can be seen from this figure, it is sufficient to insert the block 3 into the platform 9, the ribs / grooves 17 of the end sides 10-1, 10-2 and the associated grooves / ribs 18 of the block 3 ensuring the snapping of the module into the support 1.

[0057] To position the device 2 in the aircraft, refer to [Fig.3]. As shown in this figure, the device 2 is placed against the sheath of the main cable 7. The ends of the bars 19-1, 19-2 of the clamps 19 are then in contact with the main cable 7, as are the male engagement element 20 and the female cylinder 21. The electrical cables C are held aloft by cable ties 23 against the lugs 22, which ensures that the cables are not bent but rather held straight as they exit the holes 4. The direction of the cables perpendicular to the base 5 prevents any damage to the cables C. Other cable ties 23 are used, for example, in [Fig. 3], respectively around the male engagement element 20 and the female cylinder 21, to suspend and attach the device 2 to the main cable 7.

[0058] Thus, the device 2, because it is compact (since it is the same size as the block 3) and suspended by cable ties, allows the cables C to be positioned as close as possible to the main cable 7. Furthermore, the use of the cable ties 23 ensures simple, easy, quick, and secure attachment of the device 2 to the main cable 7. Moreover, the high positioning of the cables C at the top of the lugs 8 prevents any damage to the electrical cables. It should also be noted that the blocks snap into the base 5 allows both quick and simple insertion of modules 2 into support 1, and easy replacement, when modules 2 need to be changed, for example.

[0059] The second embodiment is now described, with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0060] In figures 5 and 6, the platform 9 includes a wall, 10-3, called the retaining side 10-3.

[0061] According to this embodiment, the base 5 comprises a housing zone 24 for one or more module(s) 2. The zone 24 is delimited by three U-shaped strips 1b, 1b2, 1b3 surmounted by two rows of flexible tabs 25 forming the snap-fit ​​means 11. The two rows are spaced a distance D apart. Preferably, the tabs 25 extend perpendicularly to the base 5. The distance D coincides with a length L of the block 3. In Figures 5 and 6, two blocks 3 have been installed, the zone 24 being able to accommodate up to four blocks 3. However, the invention is not limited to this arrangement, and the zone 24 can house a single block, or conversely more than four blocks, depending on the aircraft's electrical circuits.

[0062] According to the second embodiment, the volume V delimited by the platform 9 between the base 5 and the support side 10-3 is greater than the zone 24. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment, and it is possible to consider that the base 5 is adjusted to the zone 24.

[0063] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the support 1 comprises a set 26 of three means 27, 28, 29 for attaching the platform 9 to equipment on the aircraft. The equipment is, for example, a cable tray through which the main cable sheath 7 runs. The means 27, 28 are arranged at the ends of the length of the base 5 opposite the retaining side 10-3, while the means 29 is arranged, extending from the base 5, on the other side of the retaining side 10-3. The means 27 to 28 also prevent any rotation of the support 1. The means 27, 28, 29 are, for example, clips that allow the support to be attached.

[0064] Of course, the invention is not limited to this arrangement, and any type of attachment adapted to the environment in which the module is to be installed can be considered.

[0065] As also illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the cable retaining element C comprises an inverted U-shaped ear 8, the ends 30, 31 of which are fixed to a respective end of the retaining side 10-3. The ear 8 optionally includes a reinforcing rod 32 between the apex of the U and a midpoint of the retaining side 10-3. The arms of the ear 8 can move apart from each other (they are not parallel) depending on the dimensions and size of the base 5. Each end 30, 31 comprises a curved wall on which the cable C is intended to be positioned, allowing for easy sliding of the cables C, advantageously provided with two holes for a cable tie 23, the tie allowing the cable C to be held against the wall 7. The ear 8 extends orthogonally to the main plane of the base 5, which avoids damaging the cables C, as will be described later.

[0066] To obtain the device 2 from the support 1, refer to [Fig. 6]. As can be seen from this figure, it is sufficient to insert the block 3 into the platform 9, by spreading the tabs 25 which ensure the snap-fit ​​of the module into the support 1. A clamping collar 23 is then tightened around the blocks 3.

[0067] To position the device 2 in the aircraft, reference is made to [Fig. 6]. As shown in this figure, the device 2 is fixed near the sheath of the main cable 7 by means of 27, 28, 29. The electrical cables C are held in place by one or more cable ties 23 at the top of the ear 8, which ensures that the cables are not bent but rather kept straight as they exit the openings 4 of the blocks 3. The direction of the cables perpendicular to the base 5 prevents any damage to the cables C. Other cable ties 23 are used, for example, on [Fig. 6], a clamp in the wall 31, to guide and hold the cables C up to the sheath 7.

[0068] Thus, the device 2, because it is compact (being slightly larger than the dimensions of several blocks 3) and fixed close to the sheath 7, ensures that the cables C can be positioned as close as possible to the main cable 7. Furthermore, the elevated positioning of the cables C at the top of the ear 8 prevents any damage to the electrical cables. And, the use of cable ties 23 ensures simple, easy, quick, and secure attachment of the cables C and the blocks 3 to the support 1. In addition, the snap-fit ​​of the blocks into the base 5 allows both quick and easy insertion of the modules 2 into the support 1, and facilitates replacement when the modules 2 need to be changed, for example.

[0069] Reference is now made to figures 7 and 8.

[0070] In these figures, two devices 2-1, 2-2 are joined together according to the first embodiment.

[0071] As can be seen, each device 2 is suspended from the main cable sheath 7 by clamps 23 around respectively the male engagement elements 20 and the cylinders 21.

[0072] In [Fig. 7], the male engagement 20 of device 2-1 is positioned opposite the cylinder 21 of device 2-2, in line with it. The rod 20 is then simply inserted into the opening of cylinder 21 to assemble and lock devices 2-1 and 2-2.

[0073] Thus, according to the first embodiment, if several blocks 3 are needed, it is sufficient to assemble several devices 2 together, along the sheath 7.

[0074] The gantry 1 according to the present invention represents a flexible fixing method, which adapts to the space in which the interconnection modules are to be mounted, as well as to the electrical circuits, according to the number of blocks 3 required.

[0075] Modifications and improvements to the above-described implementations of the present invention may be apparent to those skilled in the art. In particular, embodiments may be combined as long as they are not incompatible.

[0076] The above description is illustrative through examples rather than exhaustive. The scope of the present invention is therefore limited only by the scope of the claims below.

Claims

Demands

1. Cable interconnect support, particularly for an aircraft, comprising a base (5) shaped to receive a cable interconnect module and at least one element (6) for holding said cables (C) securely attached to said base (5).

2. Support according to claim 1, wherein said at least one element (6) for holding said cables (C) extends substantially orthogonally to said base (5).

3. Support according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising means for snapping (11) the module into the support (1).

4. Support according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a joining element (13) of the support to another support.

5. Support according to the preceding claim, wherein the joining member comprises a male engagement element (20) and a receiving element for said male engagement (21).

6. Support according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one of the male engagement element (20) and the receiving element of said male engagement (21) is shaped to retain a hose clamp (23).

7. Support according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one fixing tab (14) of the support (1).

8. Cable interconnection device, comprising a support (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and at least one cable interconnection module housed in the base (5) of the support (1).

9. Assembly of cable interconnection devices, comprising at least a first cable interconnection support according to claim 4, a cable interconnection module being housed in the base (5) of said first cable interconnection support and a second cable interconnection support according to claim 4, a cable interconnection module being housed in the base (5) of said second cable interconnection support, said first support and second support being fixed to each other by the fastening members (20, 21).

10. Aircraft, comprising a cable interconnection support according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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