System for inserting, extracting and locking a computer in a rack, in particular an aircraft avionics bay, comprising at least one lever.

Abstract

A system for inserting, removing, and locking a computer (2) into a rack (1), comprising at least one lever (5) equipped with a means for locking the computer into the rack (1), said lever (5) being fixed to the rack (1) or to the computer (2) by means of at least one pivot point (4a) located at one of its ends, the movement of the lever (5) in one direction ensuring the insertion of at least one connector (3b) of the computer (2) into at least one corresponding connector (3a) of the rack (1), the movement of the lever (5) in the opposite direction ensuring the removal of at least one connector (3b) of the computer (2) from at least one corresponding connector (3a) of the rack (1), the lever generating at least one resulting force centered on the computer during insertion and locking into the rack (1). Figure for the abstract: Fig 1

Description

Title of the invention: System for inserting, extracting and locking a computer in a rack, in particular an aircraft avionics bay, comprising at least one lever. technical field

[0001] The invention has as its technical field the computers embedded in an aircraft, and more particularly the insertion, extraction and securing in position of such computers within an avionics bay. Previous techniques

[0002] Modern aircraft include a computer system that controls the various actuators and performs calculations related to flight, navigation, and the control of the aircraft's various functions. Within this computer system are computers connected to the aircraft's electrical and control network by cable harnesses. These computers are housed in computer racks, called avionics bays, which are fixed to the aircraft and can be easily removed or replaced.

[0003] Each aircraft includes one or more avionics bays possibly arranged in different locations on the aircraft, and each comprising one or more computers.

[0004] Due to the operational requirements of aircraft, most of these computers are replaceable online, i.e. they are standardized and interchangeable like other aircraft components, the exchanged computer being reconfigured on the fly to understand data and configurations in accordance with those of the other computers in the aircraft.

[0005] Such maintenance requires the ability to extract, insert, and secure the computers in minimal time, while ensuring their optimal operation. This is partly achieved through the use of racks.

[0006] However, the evolution of aircraft, and more specifically, of the connectors used to connect electrical harnesses to computers, can make the removal and insertion of computers more difficult than in the past. This is particularly the case when EN4165 connectors are used instead of ARINC 600 connectors.

[0007] Indeed, it is noted that the EN4165 connectors fitted to the computers and electrical harnesses of the new generation of aircraft induce an insertion and extraction force of approximately 650 N. However, it is generally accepted that the acceptable force limit for an operator during maintenance operations is 200 N. It is then necessary to have tools to proceed with the insertion and extraction of computers equipped with EN4165 connectors.

[0008] When such insertion and extraction aids are used, special care must be taken to guide the computer into the bay so that the EN4165 connectors are properly matched.

[0009] This is all the more necessary since the connectors are located at the bottom of the bay and at the rear of each computer. Thus, when inserting the computer, the operator performs a blind assembly.

[0010] Finally, the insertion of a computer must be repeatable, so that all connectors are fully engaged at each insertion.

[0011] Furthermore, these insertion and extraction operations must be able to be carried out at the edge of the runway, in a short time, in particular less than 2 minutes.

[0012] In parallel with these insertion and removal issues, the insertion of a computer must be secured in order to protect the EN4165 connectors against vibrations due to the movement of a computer relative to the avionics bay in which it is inserted.

[0013] To reduce the time required to replace an avionics bay computer compared to the existing one, the following problems have been identified:

[0014] - use of tools by airside operators necessary for securing calculators,

[0015] - exchange time well exceeding a target of two minutes, and

[0016] - ARINC 600 chair dimensions and specific connector constraints EN4165. Description of the invention

[0017] The invention relates to a system for inserting, extracting and locking a computer in a rack, comprising at least one lever equipped with a means for locking the computer in the rack, said lever being fixed to the rack or the computer by means of at least one pivot point located at one of its ends, the movement of the lever in one direction ensuring the insertion of at least one connector of the computer into at least one corresponding connector of the rack, the movement of the lever in an opposite direction ensuring the extraction of at least one connector of the computer from at least one corresponding connector of the rack, the lever generating at least one force, the force resulting from the sum of the forces generated by the lever being centered on the computer during insertion and locking in the rack.

[0018] The other end of the lever can form a removable pivot point with the rack.

[0019] The means of locking the computer in the rack may be a screw cooperating with a light provided in the lever and with a threaded hole provided in a face of the computer opposite to the face of the computer comprising at least one connector.

[0020] The lever may comprise a first part and a second part, a first pivot point with the computer being provided at one end of the first part, a second pivot point with the computer being formed at one end of the second part of the lever, the first part and a second part also being fixed to each other via a third pivot point, each part of the lever being designed to form secondary removable pivot points with the rack.

[0021] The means of locking the computer in the rack can be a spring between the first part and the second part of the lever.

[0022] The lever may comprise two parts linked by a sliding pivot between them, a spring being arranged so as to provide a constant force between the two parts of the lever, a first end of the first part of the lever being fixed to the rack by a pivot point, the second part of the lever being provided with a cam designed to cooperate with a notch formed on the surface of the computer and opening onto a face of the computer.

[0023] The means for locking the computer in the rack may include a notch portion beyond a cusp point cooperating with the spring via the cam.

[0024] The removable pivot point can be formed by a pin cooperating with a notch or by a hook cooperating with an axis.

[0025] The calculator may be equipped with a handle facilitating its insertion by an operator into the rack before the use of the lever or its extraction from the rack after the use of the lever.

[0026] The rack may be included in an avionics bay of an aircraft or forms an avionics bay of an aircraft.

[0027] The insertion, extraction and locking system according to the invention has the advantage of offering a centered insertion, extraction and locking which is the only one able to be in accordance with the specifications of the EN4165 connector.

[0028] The insertion, extraction and locking system according to the invention also has the advantage of offering a reduced cost compared to existing systems and improved ergonomics due to the possibility of insertion, extraction and locking with one hand and without specific tools. Brief description of the drawings

[0029] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] - Figure [Fig. 1] illustrates a calculator according to a first embodiment,

[0031] - Figures [Fig.2] to [Fig.4] illustrate different phases of the insertion of a computer according to a first embodiment in an avionics bay,

[0032] - figure [Fig.5] illustrates a computer according to a second embodiment

[0033] - Figures [Fig.6] to [Fig.8] illustrate different phases of the insertion of a a computer according to a second embodiment in an avionics bay, and

[0034] - Figure [Fig.9] illustrates a calculator according to a third embodiment. Detailed description

[0035] Figures 1 to 9 illustrate different embodiments of an insertion, extraction and locking system according to the invention comprising a rack 1 in which a computer 2 is inserted.

[0036] Rack 1 is equipped with at least one pluggable connector 3a, connected in particular to an electrical harness. Rack 1 (also called a chair) is an avionics bay or is part of such an avionics bay.

[0037] The calculator 2 is designed so that it can be inserted into rack 1, and is provided with at least one connector 3b in addition to at least one connector 3a of rack 1.

[0038] The computer 2 is advantageously provided with at least one rack bottom stop 8, limiting the movement of the computer 2 in the rack 1 so that the connectors 3a,3b are plugged in without being damaged by the application of force after their total insertion.

[0039] Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the insertion system, extraction and locking according to the invention in which a lever mechanism and a pressure screw mechanism are employed.

[0040] To insert and remove the calculator 2, a lever 5 is used. The lever 5 is fixed to the rack 1 at a pivot 4a located at one of its ends. The other end of the lever 5 is provided with a removable pivot point formed by a hook cooperating with a shaft located in the rack 1. Alternatively, the hook and shaft assembly can be replaced by a plug and notch assembly.

[0041] Thus, when the calculator 2 is inserted into the rack 1, the lever 5 rotates around the pivot 4a so that the removable pivot point 4b is formed. The removable pivot point 4b allows the lever 5 to rotate.

[0042] After the removable pivot point 4b is formed, a screw 6 is inserted into a slot provided in the lever 5, so as to engage in a threaded hole provided in calculator 2. Alternatively, this screw 6 rests against the surface of calculator 2.

[0043] The screw 6 is screwed into the lever 5, so as to apply a force on the calculator 2.

[0044] Advantageously, screw 6 is centered with respect to calculator 2, which allows The force applied to the computer, and consequently to connectors 3b and 3a, should be centered. This centering limits the risk of damage to connectors 3a and 3b and maximizes the force generated by the screw designed to counteract the insertion force.

[0045] Tightening screw 6 secures the computer 2 in rack 1 and prevents the removable pivot point 4b from being dislodged. Dislodged means separating its two components so that the lever is no longer connected to the computer or the rack.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the screw 6 is a hand screw equipped with a handwheel, allowing an operator to perform a tool-free screwing operation.

[0047] The calculator 2 can also be fitted with a handle 7 facilitating its insertion by an operator into the rack prior to the installation of the lever 5 and the screw 6 or its extraction from the rack.

[0048] Fig. 2 illustrates the insertion of a calculator 2. The lever 5 is then opened and connected to the rack 1 only by the pivot 4a.

[0049] Figure 3 illustrates the securing of the computer 2. The lever 5 is then closed and connected to the rack 1 by the pivot 4a and the removable pivot point 4b resulting from the cooperation of a hook and an axle. The screw 6 is then tightened.

[0050] Fig. 4 illustrates the securing of a second computer in addition to computer 2, in which a second lever 5b and a second screw 6b are used to secure the second computer in addition to a first lever 5a and a first screw 6a used to secure computer 2.

[0051] It will have been noted that the calculator 2 illustrated in these figures is arranged so that its slice is essentially vertical. An arrangement in which the slice is essentially horizontal is also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0052] Extraction of the computer 2 is carried out by reversing the steps illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, that is, by unscrewing the screw 6, then removing the lever 5 after loosening the removable pivot point 4b. The operator then applies additional extraction force by pulling on the handle of the computer. It should be noted that this additional extraction force is not intended to separate or assist in separating the connectors 3a, 3b, but rather to remove the computer 2 from rack 1 after the connectors 3a, 3b have been separated. The same applies to insertion, during which the handle of the computer allows the computer 2 to be inserted into rack 1. However, This handle is not intended to allow the insertion of connectors 3a,3b which require an insertion force much greater than the insertion force permissible by an operator.

[0053] Figure 5 illustrates a second embodiment of the insertion, extraction and locking system according to the invention in which a lever mechanism and a return spring mechanism are employed.

[0054] To insert and remove the computer 2, a two-part lever 5c, 5d is used. A first part 5c of the lever is connected to the computer 2 by a first pivot point 4c, while a second part 5d of the lever is connected to the computer by a second pivot point 4d. The first pivot point 4c and the second pivot point 4d are located near a first end of the first part 5c of the lever and near a first end of the second part 5d of the lever, respectively. The first pivot point 4c and the second pivot point 4d are located on either side of the front face of the computer, respectively. The front face is understood to be the face of the computer opposite the face equipped with connectors 3b facing the rack-back connectors 3a.

[0055] It will be understood that, by pivot point, we mean a rotational connection between two mechanical elements. In the embodiment described here, this refers to the rotational connection between a first element fixed to the front face of the computer and a second element corresponding to a part of a lever.

[0056] The first part 5c of the lever and the second part 5d of the lever are connected together by a third pivot point 4e located at the end of the first part 5c and in the central part of the second part 5d.

[0057] A return spring 6b is disposed on the second part 5d between the second pivot point 4d and the third pivot point 4e. The return spring 6b helps to keep the lever in the closed position.

[0058] Each first end of a lever portion 5c, 5d is provided with a hook 10c, lOd intended to cooperate with an axis 9c, 9d fixed to the rack 1 in order to form a first secondary movable pivot point 9c, 10c and a second secondary movable pivot point 9d, 10d. The hooks 10c, lOd and the axes 9c, 9d are illustrated in [Fig. 6]. Once these secondary movable pivot points are formed, the force applied to the second end of the second portion 5d of the lever is amplified by leverage at the second pivot point 4d and applied to the second secondary movable pivot point 9d, 10d. Simultaneously, a portion of this force is transmitted to the first portion 5c of the lever via the third pivot point 4e. This effort is also amplified by leverage at the level of the first pivot point 4c and applied at the level of the first secondary removable pivot point 9c, 10c.

[0059] The forces applied to the secondary removable pivot points generate a resultant force centered on the computer. This centered resultant force allows the computer 2 to be inserted into the rack 1 in a centered manner. This limits the risk of damage to the connectors 3a, 3b while maximizing the force generated by the lever 5d, which is used to counteract the insertion force.

[0060] Fig. 6 illustrates the insertion of a calculator 2. The lever 5c, 5d is then opened, and connected to the calculator 2 by the pivots 4c, 4d.

[0061] Fig. 7 illustrates the engagement of axes 9c, 9d in hooks 10c, 10d. Lever 5c, 5d is always open.

[0062] Fig. 8 illustrates the complete insertion of the calculator 2 into the rack 1, and its securing when the lever 5c, 5d is closed.

[0063] In an alternative embodiment, the lever 5c,5d and the pivots 4c,4d are fixed to the rack 1. The axes 9c,9d are fixed to the calculator 2.

[0064] In yet another embodiment, the lever 5c,5d is removable and the pivots 4c,4d are each replaced by removable pivot points resulting from the combination of hooks and axes such as the secondary removable pivot points 9c,10c,9d,10d. The hooks of the lever 5c,5d are then engaged with axes present on the rack 1 and on the computer 2.

[0065] Figure 9 illustrates a third embodiment of the insertion, extraction and locking system according to the invention in which a cam mechanism and a return spring mechanism are employed.

[0066] The rack 1 includes a pivot 4f, located in particular at the bottom of the rack, around which a lever 5e,5f is fixed free to rotate.

[0067] The lever 5e,5f comprises a first part 5e connected to the pivot 4f at one end, and a second part 5f connected by a sliding pivot to the first part 5e. The second part 5f includes a gripping means 5g at its first end. The first part 5e and the second part 5f are connected at their other ends. A spring 6c is disposed between the first part 5e and the second part 5f.

[0068] The lever 5e,5f is provided with a cam lia cooperating with a notch 11b formed on the surface of the computer 2 opening onto a face of the computer 2. The notch 11b has a curved profile extending from an edge of the computer. The curved profile also has a point R, called the cusp, up to which the cam 1la moves away from the bottom of the rack and after which the cam 1la moves towards the bottom of the rack.

[0069] The spring 6c then makes it possible to generate a constant force on the cam 1 la and, consequently, on the calculator 2 while the cam lia travels along the curved profile of the notch 11b.

[0070] When lever 5e,5f is actuated so that cam 1 travels along the notch from the edge of calculator 2, the force generated by cam 1 on calculator 2 is directed towards the bottom of the rack, with a maximum effort corresponding to the reversal point R.

[0071] Beyond this reversal point R, the generated force decreases until the end of the notch 11b, because connectors 3a, 3b are considered to be inserted. However, passing the reversal point R allows the computer to be locked in the rack. This embodiment is therefore particularly advantageous because it allows the insertion and securing of a computer 2 in a single movement.

[0072] It is thus understood that an appropriate choice of spring stiffness 6c and notch profile 11b makes it possible to obtain a resultant force centered on the calculator 2.

[0073] The third embodiment also allows for the unlocking and extraction of the computer 2

[0074] When lever 5e,5f is in the locked position, i.e. between the point of At the R-point and the end of the 11b notch, a rotational movement is applied towards the edge of the ECU. The cam lia travels along the 11b notch to the R-point to unlock the ECU. The cam lia then travels along the 11b notch from the R-point to the edge of ECU 2 to generate a directed force from the bottom of the rack towards the front of the ECU, allowing the 3a,3b connector to be separated and the ECU to be extracted.

[0075] During both insertion and extraction, the lever 5e,5f can take a position at the edge of rack 1 allowing the cam 1la to be disengaged from the notch 11b. The calculator 2 is then independent of rack 1, both during insertion and extraction.

[0076] In a particular embodiment, the insertion, extraction and locking system includes at least one lateral stop 12 designed to oppose the rotational movement communicated to the computer 2 via the cam lia when the lever 5e,5f is operated.

[0077] Such a lateral stop 12 is disposed on a face of the calculator 2 or a side of the rack 1 so as to be substantially in the plane of the cam lia when crossing the reversal point R.

[0078] At least one stop is disposed on the face of the calculator 2 opposite the entrance of the notch 11b. In another embodiment, a lateral stop 12 is disposed on either side of the notch 11b so as to oppose the torque generated by the lever 5e,5f, during the insertion as well as the extraction of the calculator 2.

[0079] The third embodiment includes a notch with a curved profile. However, other notch profiles can be used provided that a cusp point exists, allowing the position of the calculator to be locked.

[0080] Similarly, it will be understood that the reversal point R corresponds to a point beyond which the tangent between the roller and the cam is perpendicular to the lever, preventing a spontaneous return of the lever.

Claims

Demands

1. A system for inserting, removing, and locking a computer (2) into a rack (1), comprising at least one lever (5, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f) having a means for locking the computer in the rack (1), said lever (5, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f) being fixed to the rack (1) or to the computer (2) by means of at least one pivot point (4a, 4c, 4f) located at one of its ends, movement of the lever (5, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f) in one direction ensuring the insertion of at least one connector (3b) of the computer (2) into at least one corresponding connector (3a) of the rack (1), movement of the lever (5, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f) in the opposite direction ensuring the removal of at least one connector (3b) of the computer (2) from at least one corresponding connector (3a) of the rack (1), the lever (5,5c,5d,5e,5f) generating at least one force, the resulting force from the sum of the forces generated by the lever (5,5c,5d,5e,5f) is centered on the computer during insertion and locking into the rack (1).

2. Insertion, extraction and locking system according to claim 1, wherein the other end of the lever (5) forms a removable pivot point (4b) with the rack (1).

3. Insertion, extraction and locking system according to claim 2, wherein the locking means of the computer (2) in the rack (1) is a screw (6) cooperating with a slot provided in the lever (5) and with a threaded hole provided in a face of the computer (2) opposite to the face of the computer comprising at least one connector (3b).

4. Insertion, extraction and locking system according to claim 1, wherein the lever (5) comprises a first part (5c) and a second part (5d), a first pivot point (4c) with the calculator (2) being provided at one end of the first part (5c), a second pivot point (4d) with the calculator being formed at one end of the second part (5d) of the lever, the first part (5c) and a second part (5d) also being fixed to each other via a third pivot point (4e), each part of the lever being designed to form secondary removable pivot points with the rack.

5. Insertion, extraction and locking system according to claim 4, wherein the locking means of the computer in the rack is a spring (6d) between the first part (5c) and the second part (5d) of the lever.

6. Insertion, extraction and locking system according to claim 1, in which the lever comprises two parts (5e,5f) linked by sliding pivot between them, a spring (6c) being arranged so as to provide a constant force between the two parts (5e,5f) of the lever, a first end of the first part (5e) of the lever being fixed to the rack by a pivot point (4f), the second part (5f) of the lever being provided with a cam (lia) designed to cooperate with a notch (11b) formed on the surface of the computer (2) and opening onto a face of the computer (2).

7. Insertion, extraction and locking system according to claim 6, wherein the means for locking the computer in the rack comprises a notch portion beyond a cusp point (R) cooperating with the spring (6c) via the cam (lia).

8. Insertion, extraction and locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a removable pivot point is formed by a pin cooperating with a notch or by a hook cooperating with an axis.

9. Insertion, extraction and locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the computer (2) is provided with a handle (7) facilitating its insertion by an operator into the rack (1) before use of the lever or its extraction from the rack (1) after use of the lever.

10. Insertion, extraction and locking system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the rack (1) is included in an avionics bay of an aircraft or forms an avionics bay of an aircraft.

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