FR3106667A1 - ENDOSCOPE FOR INSPECTING AN AIRCRAFT TURBOMACHINE AND PERFORMING AT LEAST ONE ACTION IN THIS TURBOMACHINE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an endoscope (42) for inspecting an aircraft turbomachine and performing at least one action in this turbomachine, this endoscope (42) comprising a proximal end and a distal end (48) comprising a lighting and visualization system from said proximal end. According to the invention, the endoscope (42) comprises at its distal end (48) a single coupling system (46) compatible with a first head (44) comprising a lighting and display system and a first equipment for carrying out a first action, and with a second head comprising a lighting and visualization system and a second equipment for carrying out a second action different from said first action, each of the first and second heads (44 ) being able to be removably attached to said coupling system (46) which comprises elements for connecting and / or supplying the equipment of this head (44). Figure for abstract: Figure 5

Description

ENDOSCOPE FOR INSPECTION OF AN AIRCRAFT TURBOMACHINE AND PERFORMING AT LEAST ONE ACTION IN THIS TURBOMACHINE

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to an endoscope for inspecting an aircraft turbine engine and performing at least one action in this turbine engine. The invention also relates to an assembly in the form of a kit comprising such an endoscope.

Technical background

Endoscopic inspection of an aircraft turbomachine has been used for many years to check the condition of parts inside the turbomachine. This operation can be carried out directly under a wing of the aircraft, without prior removal of the turbomachine, which is advantageous because it limits the downtime of the aircraft.

The control is carried out by means of at least one endoscope which is inserted through an endoscopy orifice of the turbomachine. The endoscope comprises a proximal end located on the side of the control operator, and a distal end which must be located as close as possible to the part to be controlled. The endoscope is equipped with viewing optics that allow the operator to view the part from a distance.

The parts which are regularly checked on a turbomachine are, for example, the blades. A blade comprises a blade which extends in the vein of the turbomachine and which may present nonconformities. These nonconformities are due in particular to impacts, oxidation or corrosion, material anomalies, weaknesses of the part, and are above all physical damage following classic consequences of use. The blades of the blades are checked by endoscopy to verify the presence of these nonconformities which cause a reduction in the healthy parts of the blades and therefore of their working sections, and thus impact the life of the blades.

Such nonconformities may require a rework or reloading or any other mechanical action on the turbomachine. In the event that a nonconformity is detected, it is known to remove the turbomachine in order to carry out the necessary correction or repair. However, it is more advantageous to provide for the repair of the part by endoscopy, in order to avoid the removal and dismantling of the turbomachine. To this end, distinct tools are known, which make it possible to carry out operations on the turbomachine by endoscopy. However, the multiplicity of the various existing tools implies a bulkiness of the latter, which affects storage and maintenance costs. In addition, the multiplication of these tools at the workstation level complicates the work of the operator and increases the maintenance time to carry out the operation(s) on the turbomachine.

The present invention provides a simple, effective and economical solution to this problem.

The invention thus proposes an endoscope for the inspection of an aircraft turbomachine and the performance of at least one action in this turbomachine, this endoscope comprising a proximal end and a distal end comprising a lighting and visualization system from said proximal end.

According to the invention, the endoscope comprises at its distal end a single coupling system compatible with a first head comprising a lighting and visualization system and a first equipment for carrying out a first action, and with a second head comprising a lighting and display system and second equipment for carrying out a second action different from said first action, each of the first and second heads being capable of being removably fixed to said coupling system which comprises elements for connecting and/or supplying the equipment of this head.

Thanks to its unique coupling system, the endoscope according to the invention is advantageously configured to be able to perform different actions on the turbomachine via the different heads capable of being removably fixed to the system. The overall size of the tools required for maintenance is thus advantageously reduced. Such a multifunction endoscope also makes it possible to eliminate the multiplication of tools at the station and consequently reduce the cost and maintenance time, while simplifying the work of the operators.

The endoscope according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately from each other or in combination with each other:

• the coupling system is of the thread type and comprises a male or female thread configured to cooperate with a female or male thread carried by each of the first and second heads;
• the net carried by each head is located on a ring mounted freely in rotation on this head;
• the coupling system comprises at least one electrical and/or optical and/or fluid connection element;
• the coupling system comprises at least one optical plug connection connector, for example of the MTP type;
• the coupling system comprises at least one keying device to define a correct position for coupling the system to each of the first and second heads;
• the keying device is of the male-female interlocking type;
• the coupling system comprises at least one fluid connection port; And
• said at least one element is located on or at the level of a wall of the coupling system which is electrically conductive and configured to be in contact with an electrically conductive wall of each of said first and second heads with a view to supplying them with electricity .

The present invention also relates to an assembly in the form of a kit, comprising an endoscope as described above, and two heads compatible with the unique coupling system of the endoscope, a first of the heads comprising a lighting and display and a first piece of equipment for carrying out a first action, and a second of the heads comprising a lighting and display system and a second piece of equipment for carrying out a second action different from said first action, each of the first and second heads being capable of being removably fixed to said coupling system which comprises elements for connecting and/or supplying the equipment of this head.

Brief description of figures

The invention will be better understood and other details, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an aircraft turbine engine, seen from the downstream side and from the side,

Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a turbomachine rotor blade,

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of turbomachine stator vanes,

FIG. 4 is a very schematic perspective view of a turbomachine blade,

FIG. 5 is a view in longitudinal section of an assembly comprising an endoscope according to the invention, as well as a head fixed in a removable manner to a distal end of the endoscope,

Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the head of the assembly of Figure 5,

Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the distal end of the endoscope of Figure 5,

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the distal end of the endoscope of Figure 5, and

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the head of Figure 5.

Detailed description of the invention

FIG. 1 schematically shows an aircraft turbomachine 10 which conventionally comprises a gas generator 12, one shaft of which drives a fan 14 which is here surrounded by a casing 15. The gas generator 12 comprises at least one compressor 16 , a combustion chamber 18 and at least one turbine 20.

In the case of a dual-flow turbomachine, respectively primary and secondary, the fan 14 generates an air flow which is divided into a primary flow which enters the gas generator 12 and into a secondary flow which flows around of the gas generator and is schematically represented by the arrows 22.

The primary flow notably passes through the compressor 16 and the turbine 18 which comprise blades.

Figure 2 shows a turbine rotor blade 24. Conventionally, the blade 24 comprises a blade 26, one end of which is connected to a root 28 and the opposite end of which is connected to a heel 30.

FIG. 3 represents a turbine distributor sector 32, this sector comprising stator vanes 34 which extend between two platforms, respectively internal 36 and external 38. Each vane 34 is formed by a blade 26.

The blade 26 of each vane 24, 34 has an aerodynamic profile and is likely to present a nonconformity, for example by impact of a foreign body or by oxidation or corrosion, in particular at the level of its leading edge 26a or of its trailing edge 26b. This non-conformity, if not repaired, is likely to generate the appearance of cracks or fissures.

The present invention proposes an endoscope for inspecting an aircraft turbomachine 10 and performing at least one action in this turbomachine.

FIG. 4 shows, for example, the effect of oxidation or corrosion on a trailing edge 26b of a blade 26. Initially, before presenting a nonconformity, the blade 26 has a known thickness E at its trailing edge 26b for example and at a predetermined distance D, for example 1 mm, from this trailing edge. L denotes an imaginary line extending to the distance D from the trailing edge 26b and located for example on a chord of the blade 26. The thickness E is measured at the level of this line L, between two points located respectively on the 26c intrados and 26d extrados of the blade.

The trailing edge 26b is shown in solid lines in its original state and position, and in dotted lines in its deformed state due to the loss of material linked to oxidation or corrosion. It can be seen that the line L is moved due to the non-conformity causing the loss of material.

Figures 5 and 6 show an assembly 40 comprising an endoscope 42 and a head 44 removably attached to the endoscope 42. Although only one head 44 is shown in these figures, the assembly 40 in kit form may include several distinct heads 44, compatible with the coupling system 46 of the endoscope 42. Each head 44 is typically a tool head, distinct from the other tool heads 44 and dedicated to a particular operation or action to be performed in the turbomachine 10. To this end, each head 44 is provided with tooling equipment (not shown in the figures) dedicated to carrying out this particular operation or action.

The endoscope 42 has a generally elongated shape and is preferably flexible. It comprises a proximal end located on the side of the operator, and a distal end 48 which must be located as close as possible to the part on which an action is to be performed, only this distal end 48 being shown in the figures. The distal end 48 of the endoscope is provided with a lighting and viewing system from the proximal end, such a system not being shown in the figures for reasons of clarity. The lighting and display system comprises one or more optical lighting and display elements such as an optical fiber, a camera coupled or not to a lens, a lighting device such as a light source or even a laser.

As visible in Figure 5, and even more clearly in Figures 7 and 8, the endoscope 42 comprises a body 45 of generally tubular shape and a coupling system 46 located at its distal end 48. This system single coupling 46 is compatible with each of the heads 44. To do this, the coupling system 46 is for example of the thread type and comprises a male or female thread configured to cooperate with a female or male thread carried by each head 44. In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 to 9, the coupling system 46 comprises a male thread 50 configured to cooperate with a female thread 52 carried by each head 44. More specifically, as illustrated in the figures 6 and 9, each of the heads 44 is typically provided with a threaded rotating ring or sleeve 54 which includes the female thread 52 on its internal surface. The ring or sleeve 54 is mounted inseparably from the head 44, and free to rotate on this head 44. Preferably, and as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, one or more bearing(s) 56 are inserted between the rotating ring or sleeve 54 and the head 44.

The coupling system 46 carried by the endoscope 42 comprises one or more element(s) 58 - 64 for connecting and/or supplying the equipment contained in a head 44. Preferably, the or each element 58, 62, 64 is an electrical and/or optical and/or fluid connection element. In the particular embodiment illustrated in the figures, the coupling system 46 comprises an optical connector 58 for connection by plugging, for example of the MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) type, two keying devices 60, a fluid connection port 62, and an electrically conductive wall 64.

The optical connector 58 for connection by plugging is connected to the lighting and display system previously described. As seen in particular in Figures 8 and 9, the optical connector 58 is configured to cooperate with a corresponding optical connector 66, for example of the MTP type, present in each head 44. The optical connector 58 thus allows optical control of the head 44 by the operator.

Each keying member 60 makes it possible to define a correct position for coupling the system 46 to each of the heads 44. Each keying member 60 is for example of the male-female interlocking type. In the example shown, each keying member 60 is a female member in the form of a hole, and is configured to cooperate with a corresponding male member 68 present in each head 44. Such keying members 60, 68 make it possible to facilitate the mounting of the heads 44 on the coupling system 46. Preferably, as visible in FIG. 8, the keying members 60 are not symmetrical on the coupling system 46 with respect to a substantially vertical direction passing through the center of the wall 64. This makes it possible to avoid any assembly upside down of the head 44 on the coupling system 46, that is to say an assembly which would position the fluidic connection port 72 of the head 44 facing optical connector 58.

The fluidic connection port 62 is typically an air inlet connection port, and is connected to an air pipe 70 extending axially in the body 45 of the endoscope 42. As can be seen in particular in FIGS. and 9, the fluidic connection port 62 is configured to cooperate with a corresponding fluidic connection port 72 present in each head 44. The fluidic connection port 62 thus allows pneumatic control of the head 44 by the operator. The fluidic connection port 72 is connected to an air channel 73 extending axially in the head 44. Preferably, and as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, a member 74 ensuring the air seal, such as a seal, is mounted on the fluidic connection port 72.

The electrically conductive wall 64 carries each of the elements 58, 60, 62. As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 8 and 9, the electrically conductive wall 64 is configured to be in contact with a corresponding electrically conductive wall 76 present in each head. 44. The electrically conductive wall 64 thus allows electrical control of the head 44 by the operator, and also ensures the electrical supply of the latter.

In addition to the tooling equipment and the interface elements 66, 68, 72, 76 described above, each head 44 also includes a lighting and display system, the latter not being shown in the figures for reasons of clarity.

In use, the endoscope 42 according to the invention allows an operator to perform various actions on the turbine engine 10 via the various heads 44 capable of being removably fixed to the coupling system 46. For example, and without this is not limiting, the operator can first use the endoscope 42 with a first laser head to carry out laser machining of a blade 24, 34. The operator can then remove the laser head and instead mount a penetrant injection product injection head, then introduce the endoscope 42 into the turbomachine 10 to project the products onto the machined blade. The operator can then replace this product injection head with another head fitted with ultraviolet lighting, and use the endoscope 44 to observe any defects in the blade under ultraviolet lighting.

The overall size of the tools required for maintenance is thus advantageously reduced. It is therefore understood that the endoscope 42 according to the invention is a multifunction endoscope which eliminates the multiplication of tools at the station and consequently reduces the cost and maintenance time, while simplifying the work of the operators.

Claims (10)

Endoscope (42) for inspecting an aircraft turbomachine (10) and performing at least one action in this turbomachine (10), this endoscope (42) comprising a proximal end and a distal end (48) comprising a lighting and viewing system from said proximal end, characterized in that it comprises at its distal end (48) a single coupling system (46) compatible with a first head (44) comprising a system lighting and display and a first piece of equipment for carrying out a first action, and with a second head comprising a lighting and display system and a second piece of equipment for carrying out a second action different from said first action , each of the first and second heads (44) being able to be removably fixed to said coupling system (46) which comprises elements for connecting and/or supplying the equipment of this head (44). Endoscope (42) according to claim 1, wherein the coupling system (46) is of the thread type and comprises a male or female thread (50) configured to cooperate with a female or male thread (52) carried by each of the first and second heads (44). Endoscope (42) according to claim 2, in which the net (52) carried by each head (44) is located on a ring (54) mounted freely in rotation on this head (44). Endoscope (42) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the coupling system (46) comprises at least one electrical and/or optical and/or fluid connection element (58, 62, 64). Endoscope (42) according to the preceding claim, in which the coupling system (46) comprises at least one optical connector (58) for connection by plugging, for example of the MTP type. Endoscope (42) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the coupling system (46) comprises at least one keying device (60) to define a correct coupling position of the system (46) at each of the first and second heads (44). Endoscope (42) according to the preceding claim, in which the keying member (60) is of the male-female interlocking type. Endoscope (42) according to one of Claims 4 to 7, in which the coupling system (46) comprises at least one fluid connection port (62). Endoscope (42) according to one of Claims 4 to 8, in which the said at least one element (58, 60, 62) is located on or at the level of a wall (64) of the coupling system (46) which is electrically conductive and configured to be in contact with an electrically conductive wall (76) of each of said first and second heads (44) with a view to supplying them with electricity. Assembly (40) in the form of a kit, comprising an endoscope (42) according to one of the preceding claims, and two heads (44) compatible with the single coupling system (46) of the endoscope (42), a first heads (44) comprising a lighting and display system and first equipment for performing a first action, and a second of the heads comprising a lighting and display system and second equipment for performing a second action different from said first action, each of the first and second heads (44) being adapted to be removably fixed to said coupling system (46) which comprises elements for connecting and/or supplying the equipment of this head (44).