Hinge for an aircraft door, with cable passage

Abstract

The invention relates to a hinge (1), particularly for an aircraft hatch, comprising a first part, referred to as the movable part (5), and a second part, referred to as the fixed part (3), each of said movable (5) and fixed (3) parts having at least one respective hinge pin, each hinge pin defining a hollow internal space dimensioned to receive a cable, the hinge pins being configured to cooperate in pivoting the hinge between a first extreme position and a second extreme position. Abstract figure: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Hinge for an aircraft door, with cable passage. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hinge for a door, for example for a hatch of an aircraft. Previous technique

[0002] An aircraft generally contains a multitude of electrical cables that must be positioned judiciously, both to minimize the aircraft's footprint and to prevent any damage to the cables. In particular, it is difficult to correctly position the cables through doors, such as hatches, of the aircraft.

[0003] The object of the invention is to remedy at least partially this drawback. Summary

[0004] For this purpose, a hinge is proposed, in particular for a hatch of an aircraft, comprising a first part, called the moving part, and a second part, called the fixed part, each of said moving and fixed parts having at least one respective shank, each shank delimiting a hollow internal space dimensioned to receive a cable, the shanks being shaped to cooperate so as to pivot the hinge between a first extreme position and a second extreme position.

[0005] Thanks to the hinge according to the present invention, it is possible to position the cable in the hinge, in line with the hinge, which simplifies the electrical wiring of the aircraft and in particular that of a hatch, reduces the bulk due to the cables, and ensures improved protection of the cables.

[0006] According to another aspect, said at least one cam of the moving part and said at least one cam of the fixed part are coaxial along a direction forming the axis of the hinge.

[0007] According to another aspect, the hinge comprises a tube and / or sheath housed in each of the cams, extending along the axis of the hinge, and sized to receive the cable.

[0008] According to another aspect, each chamon of one of the mobile and immobile parts is disposed between two chamons of the other of the mobile and immobile parts.

[0009] According to another aspect, the movable part includes a wing attached to each cam of the movable part.

[0010] According to another aspect, the hinge includes a fixing tab for one end of the cable fixed to said wing of the moving part.

[0011] According to another aspect, the movable part includes another wing attached to each cam of the movable part.

[0012] According to another aspect, the immobile part comprises a wing attached to each chamon of the immobile part.

[0013] According to another aspect, the hinge includes a fixing tab for one end of the cable fixed to said wing of the stationary part.

[0014] The invention also relates to an aircraft, comprising a hatch equipped with a hinge as described above. Brief description of the drawings

[0015] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the detailed description below and from analyzing the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1

[0016] [Fig.1] is a schematic perspective view of an aircraft comprising a hatch intended to be fitted with a hinge according to the present invention. Fig. 2

[0017] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view of a hinge according to the present invention, in a closed position of an aircraft hatch. Fig. 3

[0018] [Fig.3] is another schematic perspective view of the hinge of [Fig.2]. Fig. 4

[0019] [Fig.4] is another schematic perspective view of the hinge of [Fig.2]. Fig. 5

[0020] [Fig.5] is a schematic side view of the hinge of [Fig.1] in a maximum opening position of the hatch. Fig. 6

[0021] [Fig.6] is a schematic perspective view of the hinge of [Fig.5], a cover having been removed. Fig. 7

[0022] [Fig.7] is a schematic side view of the hinge of [Fig.5]. Fig. 8

[0023] [Fig.8] is a schematic perspective view of the hinge of [Fig.5]. Fig. 9

[0024] [Fig.9] is another schematic view in partial exploded perspective of the hinge of the preceding figures. Fig. 10

[0025] [Fig. 10] is another schematic exploded perspective view of the hinge of the preceding figures. Fig. 11

[0026] [Fig. 11] is another schematic perspective view according to an alternative embodiment. 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 those 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 in the figures, the invention relates to a hinge 1 intended to equip a hatch 2 of an aircraft Ae.

[0032] The hinge 1 comprises a first part 3, called the fixed part, intended to be mounted on a housing 4 of the hatch 2, and a second part 5, called the movable part, intended to be mounted on a door 6 of the hatch 2.

[0033] To simplify the reading of this description, an orthonormal coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is shown in the figures. The X direction corresponds to a pivot axis of the door 4, preferably, but not exclusively, horizontal when the aircraft is on the ground. The Y and Z directions are orthogonal to the X direction, with the Z direction being vertical when the aircraft is in a horizontal position.

[0034] Each of the fixed parts 3 and movable parts 5 comprises at least one chamon. Each chamon comprises a hollow space for receiving a cable C, as will be detailed. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixed part 3 and the mobile part 5 each comprise four hinges.

[0035] The hinges of the stationary part 3 and the hinges of the moving part 5 are configured to cooperate together, the hinges of the moving part 5 moving between two hinges of the stationary part 3, to open and close the hatch 2, as will be detailed later.

[0036] The stationary part 3 is now described in detail.

[0037] As already indicated, the stationary part 3 comprises four hinges, namely, a first end hinge 7, a first intermediate hinge 8, a second intermediate hinge 9, a second end hinge 10. The hinges 7 to 10 are coaxial, with axis A, parallel to the direction X. The hinges 7 to 10 follow one another along the axis A from the hinge 7 to the hinge 10.

[0038] Each hinge 7 to 10 is a ring whose general shape comprises a cylindrical portion extending into a rectangular base. Each of the rings 7 to 10 has a hollow cylindrical internal space. The respective hollow internal spaces of the hinges 7 to 10 are designated E-7 to E-10. The internal spaces E-7 to E-10 have the same diameter. The bases of the hinges 7 to 10 are designated 11 to 14, respectively.

[0039] As can be seen in the figures, the hinges 7 to 10 are part of a portion of the movable part 3 called the cooperation element and referenced 15.

[0040] The cooperation element 15 comprises the hinges 7 to 10, as well as a plate, 16, on a face 17 of which are formed the bases 11 to 14 of the hinges 7 to 10. The plate 16 extends between two opposite edges, 18, 19, directed along the axis A.

[0041] The stationary part 3 also includes a wing 20 attached to the plate 16 by the edge 18. The wing 20 is a plate, inclined with respect to the plate 16. The wing 20 is advantageously a part of the housing 4 of the hatch 2, or a part fixed to the housing 4 of the hatch 2.

[0042] As seen in the figures, the hinge 1 includes a tab 21 fixed to a face 22 of the wing 20. The tab 21 includes a housing 23 (visible in figures 8 and 9), intended to receive an end 24 of a cable or cable bundle C. The housing 23 is preferably open, to simplify the change of cable C.

[0043] The hinge 7 is extended by an entry 25 of the cable C into the cooperation element 15. The entry 25 is empty, in the shape of a cylinder extended by a rectangular base.

[0044] The rectangular base includes a seal 28 for a watertight passage of the cable C through the hinges 7 to 10. The internal volume V of the inlet 25 accommodates an elbow 29 for the cable C, as will be detailed later. The cylindrical portion is pierced with a water drainage hole 30.

[0045] The stationary part 3 includes a cover 31 for closing the inlet 25.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the stationary part 3 comprises a second wing 32. The second wing 32 is attached to the cooperation element 15 by its edge 19. The second wing 32 is inclined relative to the cooperation element 15. The second wing 32 is, for example, shorter than the first wing. The plate 32 provides water and electromagnetic (EMI and lightning) protection.

[0047] As can be seen from the figures, each of the hinges 8 to 10 has the same height H (visible on [Fig.3]), along the axis A, while the hinge 7, extended by the inlet 25, has a height He greater than the height H. The hinges 7 to 10 are regularly spaced at the same distance, denoted L, along the axis A. In this space, the hinges of the moving part, which will now be detailed, are inserted.

[0048] The moving part 5 is now described in detail.

[0049] As already indicated, the movable part 5 comprises four hinges, namely, a first end hinge 40, a first intermediate hinge 41, a second intermediate hinge 42, a second end hinge 43. The hinges 40 to 43 are coaxial, with axis A parallel to the direction X. The hinges 40 to 43 follow one another along the axis A from the hinge 40 to the hinge 43.

[0050] Thus, the hinge 1 comprises the following sequence of the hinges of the fixed part 3 and of the moving part 5: hinge 7 of the fixed part 3, hinge 40 of the moving part 5, hinge 8 of the fixed part 3, hinge 41 of the moving part 5, hinge 9 of the fixed part 3, hinge 42 of the moving part 5, hinge 10 of the fixed part 3 and hinge 43 of the moving part 5.

[0051] The first end hinge 7 of the stationary part 3 forms the entry of the cable C into the hinge 1. The second end hinge 43 of the moving part 5 forms the exit of the cable C from the hinge 1.

[0052] Each hinge 40 to 43 is a ring whose general shape comprises a cylindrical portion extending into a rectangular base. Each ring 40 to 43 has a hollow cylindrical internal space. The respective hollow internal spaces of the hinges 7 to 10 are denoted E-40 to E-43. The internal spaces E-40 to E-43 have the same diameter as the hinges 7 to 10 of the stationary portion 3. The bases of the hinges 40 to 43 are respectively referenced 44 to 47.

[0053] As can be seen in the figures, the hinges 40 to 43 are part of a portion of the moving part 5 called the cooperation element and referenced 50.

[0054] The cooperation element 50 comprises the hinges 40 to 43, as well as a plate, 51, on a face 52 of which are formed the bases 44 to 47 of the hinges 40 to 43. The plate 51 extends between two opposite edges, 53, 54, directed along the axis A.

[0055] The movable part 5 also includes a wing 55 attached to the plate 51 by the edge 53. The wing 55 is a plate, inclined relative to the plate 51. The wing 55 is advantageously a part of the door 6 of the hatch 2.

[0056] As seen in the figures, the hinge 1 includes a tab 56 fixed to a face 57 of the wing 55. The tab 56 includes a housing 58, preferably open, intended to receive an end 59 of the cable or cable bundle C. The hinge 1 optionally includes an additional tab 56', visible in [Fig.5].

[0057] The hinge 43 forms the exit of the cable C out of the cooperation element 50. The hinge 43 is extended by an empty exit 60, in the shape of a cylinder extended by a rectangular base.

[0058] The rectangular base includes a seal (not visible in the figures) for a watertight exit of cable C from hinges 40 to 43. The internal volume V of the inlet 25 accommodates an elbow 62 of cable C, as will be detailed later. The cylindrical portion may optionally have a water drainage hole.

[0059] The movable part 5 also includes a cover for closing the outlet 60 (not visible in the figures).

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the movable part 5 comprises a second wing 63. The second wing 63 is attached to the cooperation element 50 by the edge 54. The second wing 63 is inclined relative to the cooperation element 50. The second wing 63 is, for example, shorter than the first wing.

[0061] As can be seen from the figures, the hinges 40 to 43 are regularly spaced at the same distance along the axis A, equal to the height H of the hinges 8 to 10. Each of the hinges 40 to 43 has the same height, identical to that of the hinges 8 to 10, along the axis A, while the hinge 43, extended by the exit 60, has a height greater than the height H, preferably equal to the height He of the hinge 7.

[0062] Due to this arrangement, the hinges follow one another along axis A without spacing. However, the invention is not limited to this arrangement, and it is possible to consider that the hinges may be spaced apart from each other in the hinge 1.

[0063] It should be noted that, for reasons of simplification of the manufacturing process, the hinges 40 to 43 are symmetrical to the hinges 7 to 10 by rotation through an angle of 180°. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0064] Similarly, one can consider hinges which differ from one another, whether it be the hinges of the immobile part in relation to those of the mobile part, or the hinges of one of the mobile or immobile parts in relation to each other.

[0065] As can be seen in the figures, the hinge 1 also includes a tube 65 fitted into the hinges 7 to 10 of the stationary part 3 and the hinges 40 to 43 of the moving part 5. Preferably, an outside diameter De of the tube 65 is equal to the diameter of the hinges 7 to 10 and 40 to 43, which ensures that the tube 65 is held tightly along the axis A. The hinge 1 also includes a stop ring 66 to lock the tube 65 in translation.

[0066] Preferably, the hinge 1 also includes an electrical insulation tube 70, arranged between the tube 65 and the electrical cable C. The tube 70 is illustrated in [Fig. 10].

[0067] As can be seen from the figures, the cable C is fixed by its end 24 to the wing of the stationary part 3, and includes a part extending towards the inlet 25, for example along the direction Y, orthogonal to the direction A, where the cable C enters the cooperation element 15 via the joint 28, then describes the bend 29 to pass from the direction orthogonal to the axis A, into the inlet 25. Then, the cable C extends along the axis A in the tube 65, before exiting through the outlet 60 and describing a bend and going over the wing 55 of the moving part 5 to the fixing of its end 59 to the fixing tab 56.

[0068] The cams 40 to 43 are mounted to pivot about axis A between two extreme positions, namely a closed position of the hatch (Figures 2, 3, 4) and a maximum open position of the hatch (Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, 9). The wings 55, 63 of the movable part 5 being fixed to the cooperation element 50, they are driven in rotation by the cams 40 to 43.

[0069] Thus, in the closed position of the hatch 2, the first wing 55 of the movable part 5 forms a first angle with the first wing of the stationary part 3, of approximately 180° in the figures. In the fully open position of the hatch 2, the first wing 55 of the movable part 5 forms a second angle with the first wing of the stationary part 3, of approximately 180° in the figures.

[0070] Between the closed position and the maximum open position, the cable C is subjected to very little stress, since only its ends rotate, resulting in minimal bending or torsional stress on the cable C. Thus, the hinge 1 minimizes the risk of damage to the cable C and ensures its integrity. Moreover, the cable takes up little space, since it is largely integrated into the axis of the hinge 1.

[0071] An alternative embodiment is illustrated in [Fig. 11], in which the cable C is inserted into a sheath 71. In this case, the sheath 71 replaces the tube 65 and / or the tube 70. The sheath simplifies production and maintenance. The hinge in [Fig. 11] is otherwise identical to that in the preceding figures and is therefore not described in further detail.

[0072] Modifications and improvements to the above-described implementations of the present invention may be apparent to those skilled in the art. In particular, the described embodiments and variants are combinable insofar as they are not incompatible. The above description is illustrative by way of examples rather than exhaustive. The scope of the present invention is therefore limited only by the scope of the claims below.

Claims

Demands

1. Hinge (1), in particular for a hatch (2) of an aircraft (Ae), comprising a first part, called the movable part (5), and a second part, called the fixed part (3), each of said movable (5) and fixed (3) parts having at least one respective pin (7, 8, 9, 10; 40, 41, 42, 43), each pin delimiting a hollow internal space dimensioned to receive a cable, the pins being shaped to cooperate to pivot the hinge between a first extreme position and a second extreme position.

2. Hinge (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one cam (40, 41, 42, 43) of the movable part (5) and said at least one cam (7, 8, 9, 10) of the immobile part (3) are coaxial along a direction (A) forming the axis of the hinge (1).

3. Hinge (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a tube (65) and / or a sheath (71) housed in each of the hinges (7, 8, 9, 10; 40, 41, 42, 43), extending along the axis (A) of the hinge (1), and dimensioned to receive the cable (C).

4. Hinge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each shank (7, 8, 9, 10; 40, 41, 42, 43) of one (5, 3) of the movable (5) and immobile (3) parts is disposed between two shanks (40, 41, 42, 43; 7, 8, 9, 10) of the other (3, 5) of the movable (5) and immobile (3) parts.

5. Hinge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stationary part (3) comprises a wing (20) integral with each hinge of the stationary part (7, 8, 9, 10).

6. Hinge (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a tab (21) for fixing one end of the cable (24) fixed to said wing of the stationary part (20).

7. Hinge (1) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the stationary part (3) comprises another wing (32) integral with each hinge of the stationary part (7, 8, 9, 10).

8. Hinge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable part (5) comprises a wing (55) integral with each hinge of the movable part (40, 41, 42, 43).

9. Hinge (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a tab (56) for fixing one end of the cable (59) fixed to said wing (55) of the movable part (5).

10. Aircraft, comprising a hatch (2) equipped with a hinge (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.