Enclosure for electronic components, protected against the intrusion of solids and / or liquids

Abstract

HOUSING FOR ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS PROTECTED AGAINST THE INTRUSION OF SOLID BODY AND / OR LIQUID One aspect of the invention relates to a housing (1) for electronic components designed to protect against the intrusion of solid body and / or liquid into the housing, comprising a receptacle (2) and a printed circuit board (13) acting as a lid, the printed circuit board (13) comprising an inner face (14), containing at least some of the electronic components, and an outer face (15), free of any electronic components, the inner face (14) being positioned inside the receptacle (2) in a closed configuration. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Housing for electronic components against the intrusion of solids and / or liquids. Technical field of the invention.

[0001] The present invention relates to a housing for electronic components against the intrusion of solid bodies and / or liquid, in particular a housing intended to be integrated into an aircraft. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] One method of protecting electronic circuits against the intrusion of solid objects and / or liquids generally consists of placing the circuits in a protective enclosure. This enclosure generally includes a receptacle and a removable lid, allowing the enclosure to be opened and closed while maintaining a watertight seal.

[0003] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an electronic component housing according to the prior art. In this example, the housing comprises a receptacle 2, a cover 4a, and a base plate 4b configured to cooperate with the receptacle 2 so as to seal the housing tightly. In this case, the cover 4a and the base plate 4b have surfaces configured to cooperate with edges 6a, 6b of the receptacle so as to form a sealing contact. In this example, the housing also comprises three printed circuit boards 9 arranged inside the housing. Thus, when the cover 4a and the base plate 4b are pressed against the receptacle 2, they seal the housing and provide a sealing protection for the printed circuit boards 9.

[0004] By watertight protection, it is understood that the enclosure prevents the introduction of solid particles such as dust or microscopic residues. In addition to protection against solid particles, the watertight protection can also prevent the introduction of liquid splashes, such as rain or oil spray from various directions. The watertight protection can also prevent the penetration of salt spray into the enclosure. Thus, by watertight contact or watertight seal, we mean a contact between two parts that provides a watertight seal.

[0005] This type of enclosure, however, has some drawbacks. First, a lid is required to open and close the enclosure. The lid increases the overall weight of the enclosure. Furthermore, the receptacle must have a sufficient thickness h to extend beyond the contents of the enclosure (in this case, electronic boards – including a printed circuit board and electronic components, or at least one electronic connector) and provide support for the lid. Using a cover increases the weight and size of the protective case.

[0006] Climate change is a major concern for many legislative and regulatory bodies worldwide. Indeed, various restrictions on carbon emissions have been, are being, or will be adopted by various states. In particular, an ambitious standard applies to both new types of aircraft and those currently in operation, requiring the implementation of technological solutions to bring them into compliance with current regulations. Civil aviation has been actively working for several years now to contribute to the fight against climate change.

[0007] Technological research efforts have already led to very significant improvements in the environmental performance of aircraft. The Applicant takes into account the factors impacting all phases of design and development in order to obtain aeronautical components and products that are less energy-intensive, more environmentally friendly, and whose integration and use in civil aviation have moderate environmental impacts, with the aim of improving the energy efficiency of aircraft.

[0008] Consequently, the Applicant is constantly working to reduce its climate impact by using methods and operating virtuous development and manufacturing processes that minimize greenhouse gas emissions to the minimum possible in order to reduce the environmental footprint of its activity.

[0009] This sustained research and development work focuses on new generations of aircraft engines, the weight reduction of aircraft, in particular through the materials used and lighter on-board equipment, the development of the use of electrical technologies to provide propulsion, and, as essential complements to technological progress, aviation biofuels.

[0010] There is therefore a need to provide a housing for electronic components offering protection against the intrusion of solid bodies and / or liquid and which has a reduced size and a reduced mass. Summary of the invention

[0011] To this end, the invention is the result of technological research aimed at significantly improving aircraft performance and, in this sense, contributes to reducing the environmental impact of aircraft.

[0012] To this end, the invention relates to a housing for electronic components designed to prevent the intrusion of solid objects and / or liquids into the housing, the housing comprising a receptacle equipped with side walls and a base plate and a circuit printed circuit board referred to as "structural printed circuit board", the side walls and base plate delimiting an internal volume of the receptacle, the receptacle comprising an opening communicating said internal volume and an external volume to the receptacle, the structural printed circuit board comprising two faces opposite each other and forming respectively "internal face" and "external face", the internal face of the structural printed circuit board comprising at least a part of the electronic components, the external face of the structural printed circuit board being free of any electronic components, the structural printed circuit board forming a cover configured to cooperate with the opening of the receptacle so as to close the opening of the receptacle by positioning the internal face of the structural printed circuit board in the internal volume of the receptacle.

[0013] The term "electronic component" means an element intended, alone or in combination, to perform an electronic function: this may include active components such as transistors or passive components such as resistors or capacitors. It should be noted that electrical connectors are not considered electronic components within the meaning of the present invention since their purpose is to electromechanically connect electronic circuits together by means of a mechanical assembly.

[0014] The housing can thus be closed thanks to the structural printed circuit board, which then acts as a lid for the housing. Adapting the structural printed circuit board to the receptacle allows the housing to be closed, providing a watertight seal. The structural printed circuit board can also accommodate electronic components on its inner surface. These electronic components are located within the internal volume of the housing when the structural printed circuit board closes it. They are thus protected from solid particles and / or liquids. Therefore, the structural printed circuit board can contribute to the electronic operation of the device. Combining the electronic and protective functions eliminates the need for a lid, as per prior art, thereby reducing the weight of the housing.The extra thickness of the receptacle (necessary for a prior art case) is no longer required to close the case and protect its contents. The overall size of the protective case is therefore reduced. This makes the case easier to integrate into a system such as an aircraft, where weight and size are critical parameters.

[0015] Advantageously, the opening of the receptacle is formed by an edge, and the inner face of the structural printed circuit board includes a free peripheral portion, and the edge of the opening is configured to cooperate with the peripheral portion of the inner face of the structural printed circuit board.

[0016] Advantageously, the outer face of the structural printed circuit board comprises a conductive coating, and the peripheral portion of the inner face of the printed circuit board structural includes a conductive coating, and the conductive coatings of the outer face and the peripheral portion are connected to each other.

[0017] Advantageously, the structural printed circuit board includes an edge joining the outer face and the inner face of the structural printed circuit board, and the edge includes a conductive coating electrically connecting the conductive coating of the outer face and the conductive coating of the peripheral portion.

[0018] Advantageously, the structural printed circuit board includes a through hole, joining the outer face and the peripheral portion, the hole including a conductive coating electrically connecting the conductive coating of the outer face and the conductive coating of the peripheral portion of the inner face.

[0019] Advantageously, the structural printed circuit board includes a chamber made in the outer face, and the chamber is positioned so as to be aligned with the peripheral portion of the inner face.

[0020] Advantageously, the external face of the structural printed circuit board includes at least one electronic connector.

[0021] Advantageously, the base plate is an additional printed circuit, comprising two faces opposite each other and forming respectively an "inner face" and an "outer face", the inner face of the additional structural printed circuit comprising at least one other part of the electronic components and being positioned in the inner volume of the receptacle, the outer face of the additional structural printed circuit being free of any electronic components.

[0022] Advantageously, the housing includes at least one additional printed circuit board, positioned in the internal volume of the housing, said additional printed circuit board comprising electronic components.

[0023] Advantageously, the structural printed circuit board has a thickness greater than 1.6 mm, preferably greater than 1.8 mm and even more preferably greater than or equal to 2 mm.

[0024] Advantageously, the structural printed circuit board is removably fixed against the opening of the receptacle.

[0025] Another aspect of the invention relates to an aircraft comprising a housing according to the invention.

[0026] The invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0027] Unless otherwise specified, the same element appearing on different figures has a unique reference.

[0028] The figures are presented for illustrative purposes only and are in no way limiting of the invention.

[0029] Fig. 1, already presented, shows an exploded view of a housing for electronic components according to the prior art.

[0030] Figures [Fig.2] and [Fig.3] show an exploded view of two embodiments of a housing for electronic components according to the invention.

[0031] Figures [Fig.3] and [Fig.4] show a section of two additional embodiments of the housing according to the invention.

[0032] Fig. 5 shows a section of a third embodiment of the housing according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Figures 2 to 4 show three embodiments of a housing 1 (also called a "protective housing") according to the invention. This housing 1 provides protection against the intrusion of solid objects and / or liquids. For example, it may be a housing containing an electronic circuit, such as a computer, and which may be integrated into an aircraft, such as a helicopter. The weight and size of protective housings are critical parameters for an aircraft. Therefore, a housing with a reduced footprint can be integrated into a small space, for example, under the floor of the aircraft's cockpit.

[0034] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the housing 1 provides watertight protection, i.e., preventing the intrusion of solid objects such as dust or liquids. The housing 1 comprises, on the one hand, a receptacle 2 and a base plate (24) (also called the "bottom"). The bottom 24 can be fixed (as in [Fig. 2]) or removable (as in Figures 3 to 5, discussed below). The housing 1 further comprises a printed circuit board 13, referred to as the "structural printed circuit board." The term "structural" refers to the fact that the printed circuit board is used to perform a protective function for the housing 1.

[0035] The receptacle 2 is formed by four consecutive lateral walls 3 (also called "sides"), delimiting an inner volume 11 from an outer volume 12. The inner volume 11 is intended to protect the electronic components, while the outer volume 12 corresponds to the external environment. The receptacle 2 has an opening 6 connecting the inner volume 11 and the outer volume 12. This opening 6 is intended to be closed by means of the structural printed circuit board 13. In the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 5, the receptacle 2 has two openings 6, 29 connecting the inner volume 11 and the outer volume 12. These openings 6, 29 are, for example, opposite each other and are intended to be closed by means of the structural printed circuit board 13 on the one hand and the removable base 24 on the other.

[0036] The receptacle 2 can be formed from a conductive material, for example metal, or from a plastic or polymer material such as an epoxy resin. In the latter In this case, the receptacle 2 may be coated with a conductive coating. This is for example a conductive paint, a conductive varnish, a metallic layer, such as a copper layer, or a metallic alloy, such as a tin / copper alloy layer.

[0037] The structural printed circuit board 13 preferably has a rectangular cross-section, but can have any shape. For example, it is made from a plastic or polymer material such as epoxy resin. The structural printed circuit board 13 has a length and a width, measured parallel to a plane {X; Y}. The length and width of the structural printed circuit board 13 are chosen so as to completely cover the opening 6 of the receptacle when the structural printed circuit board 13 is placed against it.

[0038] The structural printed circuit board 13 comprises two faces 14, 15, opposite each other, forming respectively an "inner face" and an "outer face". The inner face 14 is intended to house electronic components. The outer face 15 does not house any electronic components. It may, however, include one or more electronic connectors 10. In one embodiment, the outer face 15 may include electronic or mechanical components (for example, heat sinks or nuts) that are not susceptible to disturbance from dust or liquids. The structural printed circuit board 13 also has an edge 16 joining the inner face 14 and the outer face 15.

[0039] The opening 6 of the receptacle 2 includes an edge 7. The structural printed circuit 13 is configured to cooperate with the edge 7 by bearing against the latter and enabling a watertight connection to be formed with the edge 7. The side walls 3 of the receptacle 2 have, for example, edges forming the edge 7 of the opening 6. The edge is preferably planar (i.e., it extends in a plane).

[0040] The inner face 14 of the structural printed circuit board 13 has a peripheral portion 17, which is free of any components and is preferably flat. It forms a bearing surface. This bearing surface 17 is designed to bear against the edge 7 of the receptacle 2 so as to seal the latter tightly. The bearing surface 17 has a width, measured from the edge 16 of the structural printed circuit board 13, which may be between one millimeter and five millimeters. Preferably, the bearing surface 17 of the structural printed circuit board 13 conforms to the edge 7 of the opening 6 of the receptacle 2. The tight seal can be achieved by direct contact between the bearing surface 17 and the edge 7. It can also be achieved by means of a gasket that can be placed between the edge 7 and the bearing surface 17. The gasket can, for example, be arranged in a groove formed in the edge 7.This could be a plastic or polymer seal, or an electrically conductive seal, for example made of metal. In the latter case, the conductive seal can allow contact. electrical connection between the structural printed circuit 13 and the receptacle 2. The type of contact between the edge 7 and the bearing surface 17 is adjusted so that the connection can prevent the intrusion of solid particles such as dust or liquid.

[0041] Since the structural printed circuit board 13 presents its bearing surface 17 (i.e., the free peripheral portion) on its inner face 14, the receptacle 2 is preferably closed by the structural printed circuit board 13 pressing against the receptacle 2, and in particular against the edge 7 surrounding the opening 6. In other words, the opening 6 can be closed by covering it. The edge 16 of the printed circuit board 13 therefore remains free, without contact with the receptacle 2. This is not a closing method where the structural printed circuit board is fitted into the receptacle 2 and where the opening 6 allows the printed circuit board 13 to be pushed into the inner volume 13. On the contrary, closing by pressing (in other words, by covering) keeps the circuit 13 outside the inner volume 11.This maximizes the size of the inner face 14 of the printed circuit board 13, thereby increasing the number or size of electronic components it can accommodate. Indeed, a closed circuit by fitting it into the receptacle (as opposed to a flat fit) requires an edge inside the internal volume 11, against which the circuit can then rest. This inner edge therefore covers part of the internal surface of the circuit and thus reduces its usable area.

[0042] In one embodiment, the receptacle 2, or the structural printed circuit board 13, may also have a small opening allowing, for example, the passage of air. This opening can be used to ventilate or cool the electronic components located in the internal volume 11 of the housing 2. However, this small opening is preferably located in a position that does not compromise protection against dust and / or liquid splashes. This small opening may, for example, have a diameter of less than five millimeters, or even less than three millimeters.

[0043] In the embodiments of Figures 2 and 4, the receptacle 2 also includes an internal support 8 for attaching an electronic board 9. The electronic board 9 includes, for example, a printed circuit board and electronic components, or at least one electronic connector 10. This electronic board 9, attached to the internal support 8, is thus protected from dust and / or liquid splashes by the housing 1 and in particular by the receptacle 2 and the structural printed circuit board 13 acting as a cover. The electronic board 9 has, for example, two faces that can accommodate electronic components.

[0044] In these three embodiments, the electronic card 9 also includes two electronic connectors 10 allowing, for example, to connect it to the structural printed circuit board 13 when these are in the closed position on the receptacle 2.

[0045] Embodiments in Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a method of removable attachment of the structural printed circuit board 13 to the receptacle 2. In these examples, the structural printed circuit board 13 is fixed by a screw. In the embodiment of [Fig. 4], the structural printed circuit board 13 also has a recess 23 on its outer face 15, allowing the height of the fixing screw to be reduced relative to the printed circuit board 13. Thus, the overall size of the housing 1 can be further reduced. The structural printed circuit board 13 could also be fixed by a spring-loaded device. Alternatively, and in order to improve protection against the intrusion of dust or liquid, the structural printed circuit board 13 could be fixed permanently to the receptacle 2, for example, by being glued or soldered to the receptacle 2.

[0046] In order for the protective housing 1 to provide protection against electromagnetic waves, also known as shielding protection, the structural printed circuit board 13 may also include a conductive coating 18 covering, for example, its outer face 15. The conductive coating 18 could also be embedded within the printed circuit board 13. When positioned on its outer face 15, the conductive coating 18 preferentially covers its entire outer face 15. To provide effective shielding, this conductive coating 18 can be electrically connected to the receptacle 2, particularly when the latter is also conductive. This connection can be made by means of a metallic braid or a conductive trace connected to the outer face 15 of the structural printed circuit board 13 and to the receptacle 2.

[0047] The conductive coating 18 is, for example, a metallic paint or a metallic varnish, or a layer of metallic material, for example, a copper layer or a tin / copper alloy layer. The use of a conductive coating 18 also improves the heat dissipation of the housing 1 and enhances the thermal control of the housing 1.

[0048] In one embodiment, the inner face 14 of the structural printed circuit board 13 may also have a conductive coating 19. This conductive coating 19 preferentially extends over the bearing surface 17 of the printed circuit board 13. Thus, when the structural printed circuit board 13 is pressed against the receptacle 2, the conductive coating 19 of the inner face 14 of the printed circuit board 13 is in electrical contact with the receptacle 2. This is particularly relevant when the receptacle 2 is conductive (for example, when it is covered with a conductive coating or made from a conductive material) and when the electrical contact with the receptacle 2 allows for electrical contact (for example, direct contact or contact via a conductive seal).

[0049] The conductive coating 19 of the inner face 14 of the structural printed circuit board and the conductive coating 18 of the outer face 15 of the structural printed circuit board are preferentially electrically connected to each other. They can be connected by means of a dedicated track connecting the two coatings 18, 19. In one embodiment, shown in [Fig. 5], the edge 16 of the structural printed circuit 13 also includes a conductive coating 20. This conductive coating 20 extends, for example, over the edge 16, partially covering the inner and outer faces 14, 15 so as to provide electrical continuity to the coatings 18, 19 of these faces 14, 15.

[0050] In a complementary embodiment, also illustrated by [Fig. 5], the structural printed circuit board 13 includes a hole 21, for example used to pass a connecting screw. The hole 21 is preferably a through hole. It thus joins the inner face 14 and the outer face 15 of the structural printed circuit board 13. This hole 21 can be used to connect the coatings 18, 19 of the inner and outer faces 14, 15. For example, the inner surface of the hole 21 may have a conductive coating 22 extending from the inner surface 14 to the outer surface 15, thus allowing the conductive coatings 18, 19 to be electrically connected.

[0051] The structural printed circuit board 13 advantageously has a thickness greater than or equal to 1.6 mm, preferably greater than 1.8 mm, and even more preferably greater than or equal to 2 mm. Thus, when made of a plastic or polymer material such as an epoxy resin, it offers sufficient mechanical resistance to protect the internal volume 11 from impacts. The structural printed circuit board 13 can also withstand mechanical stress that could be applied to an electronic connector 10 located on its outer face 15. It then allows the electronic connector 10 to be retained in the event of being pulled out or to withstand mechanical vibrations applied to the connector 10.

[0052] The electronic components assembled on the inner face 14 of the structural printed circuit board 13 are preferably non-through-hole. That is, their pins do not extend through the entire thickness of the printed circuit board 13. When the pins do extend through and protrude at the outer face 15, they are preferably coated with an insulating material, such as an insulating varnish. The conductive coating 18 of the outer face 15 can then be deposited onto this insulating varnish.

[0053] In the embodiments of Figures 3 to 5, the base plate 24 is an additional printed circuit board. This printed circuit board may have one or more of the features shown with reference to the printed circuit board 13 acting as a cover. The additional printed circuit board comprises, for example, two faces 25, 26 opposite each other and also forming "inner" and "outer" faces. The inner face 25 of the additional structural printed circuit board, which includes electronic components, is positioned in the inner volume 11 of the receptacle 2. The face The external face 26 is free of any electronic components. However, the external face 26 may have an electronic connector 10.

[0054] The base plate 24 can be removably attached to the side walls 3 of the receptacle 2. Figure 3 illustrates a case where the base plate (and in this instance the additional printed circuit board that forms it) is detached from the side walls 3. The receptacle 2 may include an additional opening 29, having an additional edge 30, which the base plate 24 can cover to close the receptacle 2. The additional printed circuit board may also have a peripheral bearing surface 27 configured to be pressed against the additional edge 30. The base plate 24 thus makes it possible to close the housing 1 while also providing a watertight seal. The combination of the electronic functions and the protective function, along with the printed circuit board 13 acting as a cover, thus eliminates the need for an additional cover, as illustrated in the prior art.The total weight of case 1, as well as its size, are further reduced.

[0055] The additional printed circuit board may, like the printed circuit board 13 acting as a cover, include conductive coatings on its outer face 26 and / or inner face 25 (and in particular on its bearing surface 27). An electrical connection may be made between the coatings on these two faces and / or the receptacle 2 in the same manner as previously described.

[0056] In the embodiment of [Fig.5], the housing 1 also includes a support 31 fixed to the receptacle 2. This support allows, for example, the housing 1 to be fixed to a structure, such as an aircraft chassis.

Claims

Demands

1. Housing (1) for electronic components against the intrusion of solid objects and / or liquid into the housing, the housing comprising a receptacle (2) having side walls (3) and a base plate (24) and a printed circuit board (13) referred to as the "structural printed circuit board", the side walls and the base plate (3, 24) delimiting an internal volume (11) of the receptacle (2), the receptacle (2) comprising an opening (6) providing communication between said internal volume (11) and an external volume of the receptacle (12), the structural printed circuit board (13) comprising two faces (14, 15) opposite each other and forming respectively an "inner face" and an "outer face", the inner face (14) of the structural printed circuit board (13) comprising at least a portion of the electronic components, the outer face (15) of the structural printed circuit board (13) being free of any electronic components,the structural printed circuit board (13) forming a cover configured to cooperate with the opening (6) of the receptacle (2) so as to close the opening (6) of the receptacle (2) by positioning the inner face (14) of the structural printed circuit board (13) in the inner volume (11) of the receptacle (2).

2. Housing (1) according to claim 1, wherein the opening (6) of the receptacle (2) is formed by an edge (7), and wherein the inner face (14) of the structural printed circuit (13) includes a free peripheral portion (17), and wherein the edge (7) of the opening (6) is configured to cooperate with the peripheral portion (17) of the inner face (14) of the structural printed circuit (13).

3. Housing (1) according to claim 2, wherein the outer face (15) of the structural printed circuit board (13) comprises a conductive coating (18), and wherein the peripheral portion (17) of the inner face (14) of the structural printed circuit board (13) comprises a conductive coating (19), and wherein the conductive coatings (18, 19) of the outer face (15) and of the peripheral portion (17) are connected to each other.

4. Housing (1) according to claim 3, wherein the structural printed circuit board (13) comprises an edge (16) joining the outer face (15) and the inner face (14) of the structural printed circuit board (13), and wherein the edge (16) comprises a conductive coating (20) electrically connecting the conductive coating (18) of the outer face (15) and the conductive coating (19) of the peripheral portion (17).

5. Housing (1) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the structural printed circuit board (13) includes a through hole (21) joining the outer face (15) and the peripheral portion (17), the hole (21) including a conductive coating (22) electrically connecting the conductive coating (18) of the outer face (15) and the conductive coating (19) of the peripheral portion (17) of the inner face (14).

6. Housing (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the structural printed circuit board (13) includes a chamber (23) formed in the outer face (15), and wherein the chamber (23) is positioned so as to be aligned with the peripheral portion (17) of the inner face (14).

7. Housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outer face (15) of the structural printed circuit board (13) comprises at least one electronic connector (10).

8. Housing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the base plate (24) is an additional printed circuit board, comprising two faces (25, 26) opposite each other and forming respectively an "inner face" and an "outer face", the inner face (25) of the additional structural printed circuit board comprising at least one other part of the electronic components and being positioned in the inner volume (11) of the receptacle (2), the outer face (26) of the additional structural printed circuit board being free of any electronic components.

9. Housing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one additional printed circuit board (9), positioned in the internal volume (11) of the housing (1), said additional printed circuit board (9) comprising electronic components.

10. Aircraft comprising a housing (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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