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AssigneesLabinal Power Systems, Mecatraction
InventorsJean-Luc Biesse, Franck Albero, Samuel Andraud, David Boutot
Estimating the term…
The object of the invention is to produce equipotential connections that are electrically efficient in terms of resistivity between portions of a current-return network in a non-conductive architecture, such as an airplane fuselage. The approach adopted by the invention is to impart an equipotential-bonding function to an aluminum cable having a large cross section, said bond being electrically connected, via direct contact, to as many devices as is physically possible to connect thereby. According to one embodiment, an electrical connection assembly of an aircraft fuselage (100) having a composite skin comprises in-line shunt connections (2) for electrically interconnecting an aluminum-alloy-based cable (1) of large cross section acting as an equipotential connection to brackets (113, 141) for primary current-return networks and to brackets (111) for electrical devices via connectors (202). Each in-line shunt connector (2) comprises a central sleeve (2m) for directly electrically contacting the cable (1), end portions for installation on the cable (1) by crimping, and an attachment means (2p) for attaching to the bracket (111) of the device. Each of the ends of the sleeve (2m) have a seal accommodated therein. Each interconnection has two sealed regions, which surround a central contact region formed by means of window-stripping.
1-14. (canceled)
Method for the equipotential-bonding connection of a current-return network in an aircraft, this network comprising primary current-return networks that are longitudinal relative to the fuselage and remote from one another in terms of location, at least one of said networks being formed by transversely spaced elements, such that equipotential connections join the primary networks so that altogether they form one current-return network, wherein the connections are formed by aluminium cabling of large cross section that integrally forms an equipotential connection between the primary networks and between their transversely spaced elements, the devices being electrically connected as closely as possible to their location by direct intermediate connections that succeed one another along the equipotential connection without interrupting the cabling, which connections are produced by tight electrical and mechanical installation,
Current-return network in an aircraft, comprising primary current-return networks that are longitudinal relative to the fuselage and remote from one another in terms of location, at least one of said networks being formed by transversely spaced elements, such that equipotential connections join the primary networks so that altogether they form one current-return network, wherein the connections are formed by aluminium cabling of large cross section that integrally forms an equipotential connection between the primary networks and between their transversely spaced elements, the devices being electrically connected to the cable of the equipotential connection as closely as possible to their location by in-line equipotential shunt connectors comprising a substantially cylindrical metal sleeve for installation on the cable by rigid connection and an attachment means that extends the sleeve so as to be attached to a bracket for the device, said installation sleeve being composed of two end portions that each accommodate a seal and surround a central region for electrical contact with the cable having been pre-stripped in a window formed within the central region.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.