An electrical box access system

Abstract

This invention, relates to a body (2) located on the vehicle, a tank (3) located in the body (2), in which fuel (3) is stored to provide the energy required to move the vehicle, a control unit (4) located in the tank (3), which provides electronic control for the devices in the vehicle, a box (5) mounted on the control unit (4) and on the inner wall of the tank (3) so as to prevent direct contact of the control unit (4) with the fuel, a sensor (6) that detects fuel data and transmits the detected data to the control unit (4), a first opening (7) located on the tank (3), which allows the user to access the control unit (4) from the part of the tank (3) where it is mounted on the inner wall of the tank (3).

Description

[0001] AN ELECTRICAL BOX ACCESS SYSTEM

[0002] The present invention relates to systems for accessing electrical boxes in fuel tanks in vehicles.

[0003] Electronically controlled systems such as control surfaces on aircraft are located on the wing. The electrical boxes used for the control of these surfaces are located inside the wing for structural benefits, especially inside the fuel tank. The electronic control units inside the fuel tank are covered with a sealed box to prevent fuel leakage. There are also fuel sensors inside the fuel tank. These sensors malfunction. In case of failure, access to these sensors is provided by special lids.

[0004] The United States patent application document US5138559A, which is included in the state of the art, describes a protection box for fuel tank measurement sensors located in the wing. The purpose of the box in the document is to protect the sensors from fuel. The walls of the box are completely closed and the sensor sits on it. The exposed sensors on the tank are accessed by an additional fuel lid on the wing.

[0005] In the patent application document originating in the United States of America with the number US9073618B2, which is included in the state of the art, an access lid placed on the wing to reach the electrical components in the fuel tank located in the aircraft wing is described. This lid is protected by a sealed gasket. The lid is located outside the fuel tank. This lid provides direct access from the wing to the fuel tank.

[0006] An electrical box access system developed with this invention provides direct access to the fuel tank for the repair of electronic components / equipment.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an access lid system with a lighter structure on the aircraft.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide the user with quick access to the electronics inside the fuel tank.

[0009] The electrical box access system as defined in the first claim and the dependent claims for the purpose of the invention, comprising a tank containing fuel for moving the vehicle in a body on the vehicle. The tank contains a control unit for controlling the electronic equipment of the vehicle and a box mounted on the control unit to protect the control unit from the fuel in the tank. The tank contains at least one sensor (probe) that detects fuel-related data. There is a first opening on the tank that allows the user to access the control unit. The first opening is located on the tank in the area where the box encloses the control unit and is directly accessible to the user.

[0010] The electrical box access system of the invention comprises a second opening on the box, which allows the user to access the sensor by passing through the control unit and is located opposite the sensor, on the side of the box closest to the sensor. A lid is placed over the second opening and closes the second opening. In the first position (I) the lid is in a position to prevent fuel leakage into the control unit. In the first position (I), the lid ensures that the can is substantially closed. When the lid is in the first position (I) the user cannot access the sensor. When the lid is moved by the user to the second position (II), it is moved away from the second opening. In this way, the user can access the sensor by reaching through the box through the second opening, which becomes open. The sensor is placed near the box at a distance where the user can reach it when the lid is in the second position (II). In this way, the user can access the sensor from outside the tank by reaching through the first opening and the second opening and take the sensor outside the tank.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system comprises a second opening having a width at least the size of a cross-section of the sensor so that a user can grasp the sensor by hand and remove it from the second opening when the lid is in the second position (II). The size of the first opening is at least a cross-section of the sensor or control unit so that the user can grasp the sensor and control unit by hand through the first opening and remove them from the box to the outside of the tank. The box is mounted on the control unit at such a distance that the user is able to grasp the sensor with the lid in the second position (II), pass it through the box and then take it out of the tank through the first opening.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system comprises a control unit disposed on the tank at a distance proximate the first opening, which the user can access by reaching through the first opening. A close distance is provided between the sensor and the control unit, such that the user can access both the sensor and the control unit.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system comprises a flange on the box for attaching the box to the tank. A portion of the flange on the box is located on the inner wall of the tank to allow the box to be mounted on the tank, and a portion of the flange is located on a portion of the first opening to allow a user to reach into the box from outside the tank through the first opening. In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system comprises a bracket between the sensor and the tank, connecting the sensor to the tank. The bracket allows the sensor to be positioned close to the second opening and the lid.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system comprises a hinge positioned on the box, which can rotate around the axis on which it is supported to move the lid between the first position (I) and the second position (II). The box comprises a motor which triggers the hinge to move the lid and a lock which keeps the lid fixed in the first position (I).

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system comprises a button on the body which, when pressed by the user, triggers a motor to automatically move the lid between the first position (I) and the second position (II).

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system comprises a lock that allows the lid to remain fixed in the first position (I) by triggering the sensor by transmitting data according to the fuel fullness.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system comprises a first opening located below the control unit. The first opening comprises a panel removably mounted on the first opening, which, when removed, allows the user to access the control unit and the sensor when the lid is in the second position (II).

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system comprises at least one connector for mounting the lid removably on the box in the second position (II).

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system comprises a sealing element located between the lid and the second opening, which prevents leakage of liquid from the tank into the box and the control unit when the lid is in the first position (I).

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system comprises a sensor that measures user-defined parameters such as level, content and temperature of the fuel in the tank and transmits the measured data to the control unit.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system comprises a body which is a wing of an aircraft. On the body is a control surface for controlling the movements of the aircraft. The movement of the control surface is controlled by the pilot triggering the control unit.

[0022] The electrical box access system for achieving the object of the present invention is shown in the accompanying figures;

[0023] Figure 1 - Perspective view of the body, tank, box and control surface.

[0024] Figure 2 - Perspective view of the electrical box access system with the lid in the first position (I).

[0025] Figure 3 - Perspective view of the electrical box access system with the lid in the second position (II).

[0026] Figure 4- Perspective view of the electrical box access system.

[0027] Figure 5- Perspective view of the electrical box access system.

[0028] The parts in the figures are numbered one by one and the corresponding numbers are given below.

[0029] 1. Electric box access system

[0030] 2. Body

[0031] 3. Tank

[0032] 4. Control unit

[0033] 5. Box

[0034] 501. Flange

[0035] 6. Sensor

[0036] 7. First opening

[0037] 8. Second opening

[0038] 9. Lid

[0039] 10. Bracket

[0040] 11. Panel

[0041] 12. Connector

[0042] 13. Sealing element

[0043] (I) First position

[0044] (II) Second position

[0045] (D) Button (E) Motor

[0046] (K) Control surface

[0047] (L) Lock

[0048] (M) Hinge

[0049] Electric box access system (1), a body (2) located on the vehicle, a tank (3) in the body (2) in which fuel is stored, which provides the energy necessary to move the vehicle, a control unit (4) located in the tank (3), which provides electronic control for devices inside the vehicle, a box (5) mounted on the control unit (4) and on the inner wall of the tank (3) so as to prevent direct contact of the control unit (4) with the fuel, a sensor (6) that detects fuel data and transmits the detected data to the control unit (4), comprises a first opening (7) located on the tank (3), which allows the user to access the control unit (4) from the part of the tank (3) where it is mounted on the inner wall of the tank (3).

[0050] The inventive electrical box access system (1), a second opening (8) on the box (5), positioned on the opposite side of the box (5) to the sensor (6), allowing access to the sensor (6) from the part of the box (5) where the user's control unit (4) is located, a lid (9) having a first position (I) positioned on the second opening (8) so as to almost completely cover the second opening (8), preventing fuel from entering the control unit (4) through the second opening (8), in contact with the box (5), which is placed by the user on the second opening (8) to prevent access of fuel to the control unit (4), a lid (9) having a second position (II) in which the user is brought through the second opening (8) away from the second opening (8) to gain access to the sensor (6), the sensor (6) positioned opposite the box (5) at a distance where the user can access the second opening (8) via the first opening (7) in the second position (II), the second opening (8), which allows the user to access the sensor (6) through the first opening (7).

[0051] In a body (2) on the vehicle, there is a tank (3) containing the fuel required to move the vehicle. In the tank (3), a control unit (4) used for electronic control of the electronic equipment of the vehicle is mounted on the tank (3) by sitting on the control unit (4) to cover the parts of this control unit (4) that are not in contact with the tank (3). The part of the box (5) which is passed over the control unit (4) is open so that the control unit (4) can pass through. The box (5) is preferably made of composite material. On the tank (3) there is a sensor (6) that detects the data of the fuels in the tank (3). The tank (3) is provided with a first opening (7) located immediately below the box (5), through which the user can access the control unit (4) by reaching from outside the tank (3) to the inside of the box (5). On the box (5), there is a second opening (8) on the side of the box (5) facing the sensor (6) and closer to the sensor (6). From inside the box (5), the user can access the sensor (6) by reaching through the second opening (8). The second opening (8) is provided with a lid (9) having a first position (I) which almost covers the second opening (8) and prevents the fuel in the tank (3) from entering the box (5), thereby preventing the fuel from reaching the control unit (4). When the lid (9) is in the first position (I), the box (5) is completely closed and there is no access to the tank (3) through the box (5). In order for the user to access the sensor (6) by passing his / her arm through the second opening (8) from the box (5), there is a second position (II) in which the lid (9) is moved away from the second opening (8). In this way, the lid (9) is brought to the second position (II) so that the user can directly access the sensor (6) by reaching through the first opening (I) from outside the tank (3) and then through the second opening (II). The sensor (6) is placed in close proximity to the box (5) so that the user can directly reach it when the lid (9) is in the second position (II). In this way, when the lid (9) is in the first position (I), it protects the control unit from fuel, while when it is in the second position (II), the user can reach the sensor (6) by extending his / her arm through both the first opening

[0052] (7) and the second opening (8) at the same time. (Figure-2, Figure-3)

[0053] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system (1) comprises a second opening (8) produced at least in the size of a cross-section of the sensor (6) so that, when the lid (9) is in the second position (II), the user can grasp the sensor (6) and take it into the box (5), the first opening (7) produced at least in the size of a cross-section of the sensor (6) and the control unit (4) to enable the sensor (6) and the control unit (4) to be grasped by the user from the box (5) to the outside of the tank (3), the box (5) placed on the control unit (4) at a distance such that the sensor (6) brought by the user from the tank (3) into the box (5) through the second opening (8) when the lid (9) is in the second position (II) can be taken out of the tank (3) through the first opening (7) from the box (5). The opening size of the second opening

[0054] (8) is the size of the area of at least a cross-section of the sensor (6) to enable the user to remove the sensor (6) by holding it, so that the sensor (6) can be easily passed through it. The opening size of the first opening (7) is the size of at least one cross-sectional area of both the sensor (6) and the control unit (4), so that both the control unit (4) and the sensor (6) can be removed from the tank (3). The box (5) is positioned on the tank (3) so as to cover the control unit (4), with the lid (9) in the second position (II) in such a dimension that the user can take the sensor (6) and pass it through the box (5) and out of the tank (3) through the first opening (7). In this way, the user can reach from the outside of the tank (3) into the tank (3) only through the first opening (7) and pass his arm through the second opening (8) to take the sensor (6) out of the tank (3) through the box (5). In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system (1) comprises a control unit (4) and a sensor (6), the control unit (4) positioned on the tank (3) at a distance from the first opening (7) at which the user can reach through the first opening (7) to the second opening

[0055] (8) in the second position (II) of the lid (9). The control unit (4) is positioned on the tank (3) close to the first opening (7), close enough for the user to reach through the first opening (7) to access, repair or retrieve the tank (3). In this way, the user can easily access the control unit (4) by reaching through the first opening (7) from outside the tank (3). The control unit (4) and the sensor (6) are placed at a distance where the user can easily access both the sensor (6) and the control unit (4) through the first opening (7) and when the lid (9) is in the second position (II). In this way, the user can access both the sensor (6) and the control unit (4) from a single entryway.

[0056] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system (1) comprises a flange (501) for mounting the box (5) on the inner wall of the tank (3), a portion of which is on the first opening (7) at a distance where a user can access the control unit (4) through the first opening (7). In this way, the box (5) is both mounted and fixed on the inner wall of the tank (3) and located on the first opening (7). (Figure- 5)

[0057] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system (1) comprises at least one bracket (10), preferably made of a composite material, which secures the sensor (6) to the tank (3), at least one bracket (10) being located between the tank (3) and the sensor (6), and which enables the sensor (6) to be positioned opposite the lid (9) and facing the second opening (8). The sensor (6) is connected to the tank (3) by means of a bracket (10). The bracket (10) secures the sensor (6) in a removable manner near the box (5) and the second opening (8), so that the user can easily access the sensor (6) through the box (5).

[0058] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system (1) comprises a hinge (M) on the box (5) which, by rotating about the center on which it is supported, allows the lid

[0059] (9) to be moved on the box (5) from the first position (I) to the second position (II) or from the second position (II) to the first position (I), a motor (E) located on the box (5), which triggers the hinge (M) to open and close the hinge (M), and a lock (L) located on the box (5), which locks the lid (9) in the first position (I) on the box (5). The lid (9) is moved from the first position (I) to the second position (II) and / or from the second position (II) to the first position (I) by means of a hinge (M). This allows the lid (9) to move easily. The hinge (M) is driven by a motor (E). Furthermore, the lid (9) is kept fixed in the first position (I) by means of a lock (L) on the box (5). In this way, the movement of the lid (9) on the box (5) and the fixed position of the lid (9) are ensured. (Figure- 4) In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system (1) comprises a button (D) on the body (2) and a motor (E) for automatically moving the lid (9) from the second position (II) to the first position (I) or from the first position (I) to the second position (II) when the user triggers the button (D). If the user wants to move the lid (9) between the first position (I) and the second position (II), he can press a button (D) on the body (2). The button (D) triggers the operation of the motor (E) and moves the lid (9) between the first position (I) and the second position (II). In this way, the user can easily move the lid (9) automatically.

[0060] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system (1) comprises a control unit (4) which ensures that the lid (9) remains fixed in the first position (I) when fuel is present in the tank (3), and triggers the lock (L) to prevent the lid (9) from moving to the second position (II) when the sensor (6) detects the fuel status and transmits the data obtained therefrom. The sensor (6) detects the state of fuel in the tank (3). If the sensor (6) detects that there is fuel in the tank (3), it transmits data to the control unit (4) to trigger the lock (L) to fix the lid (9) in the second position (II). If the sensor (6) detects that there is no fuel in the tank (3), it transmits data to the control unit (4) and stops triggering the lock (L) so that the lid (9) is returned to the first position (I) by the user. In this way, a reliable electrical box access system (1) is provided.

[0061] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system (1) comprises a first opening (7) located immediately below the control unit (4) and a panel (11) removably located above the first opening (7), which when removed provides access to the control unit (4) and the sensor (6). The user can access the box (5) through the body (2) by opening a panel (11).

[0062] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system (1) comprises at least one connector (12) for removably mounting the lid (9) in the second position (II) on the box (5). This allows the lid (9) to remain in the second position (II).

[0063] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system (1) comprises a sealing element (13) located between the lid (9) and the second opening (8), so as to surround the wall of the second opening (8), which prevents fuel from leaking from the second opening (8) into the control unit (4) when the lid (9) is in the first position (I). In this way, a more reliable electrical box access system (1) is provided by preventing the fuel in the tank (3) from leaking into the box (5) and the control unit (4) when the lid (9) is in the first position.

[0064] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system (1) comprises a sensor (6) which measures the fuel level, fuel content and fuel temperature of the fuel in the tank (3) and transfers the measured data to the control unit (4). In this way, it is ensured that the sensor (6) is used under the conditions specified by the manufacturer.

[0065] In one embodiment of the invention, the electrical box access system (1) comprises a body (2) which is the wing of the aircraft, a control surface (K) located on the body (2) for controlling the movement of the aircraft, and a control unit (4) which receives the signal generated by the triggering of the pilot and processes data for the movement of the control surface (K). In the tanks (3) containing fuel inside the body (2) forming the aircraft wing, there are control units (4) that move and control the aircraft control surfaces (K) (Figure-1).

Claims

CLAIMS1- An electrical box access system (1), comprising a body (2) located on the vehicle, a tank (3) located in the body (2), in which fuel is stored to provide the energy required to move the vehicle, a control unit (4) located in the tank (3), providing electronic control for the devices in the vehicle, a box (5) mounted on the control unit (4) and on the inner wall of the tank (3) so as to prevent direct contact of the control unit (4) with the fuel, a sensor (6) that detects fuel data and transmits the detected data to the control unit (4), a first opening (7) located on the tank (3), allowing the user to access the control unit (4) from the part of the tank (3) where it is mounted on the inner wall of the tank (3), characterized by a second opening (8) located on the box (5), allowing access to the sensor (6) from the part of the box (5) where the user's control unit (4) is located, positioned on the opposite side of the box (5) to the sensor (6), a lid (9) having a first position (I) positioned on the second opening (8) so as to almost completely cover the second opening (8), preventing fuel from entering the control unit (4) through the second opening (8), in contact with the box (5), which is placed by the user on the second opening (8) to prevent access of fuel to the control unit (4), the lid (9) having a second position (II) in which a user is brought through the second opening (8) away from the second opening (8) to gain access to the sensor (6), the sensor (6) positioned opposite the box (5) at a distance from the box (5) at which the user can access the sensor (6) in the second position (II) via the first opening (7), and the second opening (8) allowing the user to access the sensor (6) through the first opening (7).2- An electrical box access system (1) according to claim 1 , characterised by the second opening (8) produced at least in the size of a cross-section of the sensor (6) so as to enable the user to grasp the sensor (6) and take it into the box (5) when the lid (9) is in the second position (II), the first opening (7) produced at least in the size of a crosssection of the sensor (6) and the control unit (4) to enable the sensor (6) and the control unit (4) to be grasped and removed by the user from the box (5) out of the tank (3), the box (5) positioned on the control unit (4) at a distance such that the sensor (6) brought into the box (5) from the tank (3) by the user through the second opening (8) when the lid (9) is in the second position (II) can be taken out of the tank (3) through the first opening (7) from the box (5).3- An electrical box access system (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised by the control unit (4) located on the tank (3) at a distance between which the user can reach through the first opening (7), the control unit (4) and the sensor (6), betweenwhich the user can reach from the first opening (7) to the second opening (8) in the second position (II) of the lid (9).4- An electrical box access system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised by a flange (501) partly on the first opening (7) at a distance from the first opening (7) through which the user can access the control unit (4), allowing the box (5) to be mounted on the inner wall of the tank (3).5- An electrical box access system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one bracket (10) between the tank (3) and the sensor (6), securing the sensor (6) to the tank (3), the bracket (10) for positioning the sensor (6) opposite the lid (9) and facing the second opening (8).6- An electrical box access system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised by a hinge (M) on the box (5) which, by rotating about the centre on which it is supported, enables the lid (9) to be moved on the box (5) from the first position (I) to the second position (II) or from the second position (II) to the first position (I), a motor (E) located on the box (5), which triggers the hinge (M) to open and close the hinge (M), a lock (L) located on the box (5), which in the first position (I) enables the lid (9) to be locked on the box (5).7- An electrical box access system (1) according to claim 6, characterised by a button (D) located on the body (2), a motor (E) for automatically moving the lid (9) from the second position (II) to the first position (I) or from the first position (I) to the second position (II) when the user triggers the button (D).8- An electrical box access system (1) according to claim 6 and claim 7, characterised by the control unit (4) for ensuring that the lid (9) remains fixed in the first position (I) when fuel is present in the tank (3) by means of the sensor (6) sensing the fuel status and transmitting the data obtained therefrom, and for triggering the lock (L) to prevent it from moving to the second position (II).9- An electrical box access system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised by the first opening (7) located immediately below the control unit (4), a panel (11) removably located on the first opening (7), which when removed provides access to the control unit (4) and the sensor (6).10- An electrical box access system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one connector (12) enabling the lid (9) to be removably mounted on the box (5) in the second position (II).11- An electrical box access system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised by a sealing element (13) located between the lid (9) and the second opening (8) so as to surround the wall of the second opening (8), which prevents fuel from leaking from the second opening (8) into the control unit (4) when the lid (9) is in the first position (I).12- An electrical box access system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised by the sensor (6) for measuring the fuel level, fuel content, fuel temperature of the fuel in the tank (3) and transmitting the measured data to the control unit (4).13- An electrical box access system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised by the body (2), which is the wing of the aircraft, a control surface (K) located on the body (2), which enables the movement of the aircraft to be controlled, the control unit (4), which receives the signal generated by the pilot's trigger and processes data for the movement of the control surface (K).

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