Jumper, module and method for diagnosing multiple cable health

Abstract

The invention relates to a jumper (6-A, 6-B, 6-C) for connecting a cable (100-A, 100-B, 100-C) to a test device (2) in order to diagnose the health of the cable (100-A, 100-B, 100-C), said jumper (6-A, 6-B, 6-C) comprising: an output port (7) configured to interact with an input port (3) of the test device (2); an input connector (8-A, 8-B, 8-C) configured to interact with a connector (110-A, 110-B, 110-C) of the cable (100-A, 100-B, 100-C); and a data storage element (9-A, 9-B, 9-C) containing predetermined test data on the cable (100-A, 100-B, 100-C) and electrically connected to the output port (7) via at least one data transmission line (12), said data storage element (9-A, 9-B, 9-C) being configured to transmit the test data to the test device (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of diagnosing the health of a plurality of electrical cables, and in particular to diagnosing the health of a plurality of electrical cables in an aircraft during maintenance. Background Art

[0002] As is known, there are many cables on board an aircraft (particularly harnesses called "electrical harnesses" or "distribution wiring"). Each cable is dimensioned to transmit electrical energy from the power supply cabinet to aircraft equipment, called "electrical loads". Aircraft equipment takes the form of sensors and actuators installed in one or more turbines of the aircraft's propulsion units to control speed, for example.

[0003] As is known, each cable consists of wire assemblies called "strands" that are held together by protective sheaths. Each cable includes an input connector that connects to the power supply cabinet and an output connector that connects to the aircraft equipment to provide its power supply. The cables are installed on the aircraft and attached to the structure using hose clamps and fixing clamps.

[0004] In fact, during maintenance, it is necessary to check the health of all cables, that is, to check the electrical continuity and insulation of each wire in each cable. The continuity check includes checking whether the wires between connectors are interrupted or damaged. The electrical insulation check includes verifying that the wires are in electrical contact with adjacent wires to avoid short circuits.

[0005] Given the number and complexity of the cables, this maintenance is time-consuming and error-prone. Furthermore, maintenance must be performed on board the aircraft to avoid the risk of errors during the time-consuming and laborious cable removal and reassembly. Another difficulty is that the cable connectors are not universal but depend on the turbine and electrical equipment to which they are connected. In fact, there are many different types of cables with specific input and / or output connectors.

[0006] Patent application FR3078791A1 describes a portable diagnostic device for electrical testing of cables of aircraft turbines. The diagnosis is performed cable by cable. The cable is disconnected from the device to which it is connected and then connected to the diagnostic device via a dedicated jumper, which acts as an adapter between the connector on the cable and the input connector on the diagnostic device. This means that there are as many jumpers as there are cables. The identification data of the cable are manually entered into the diagnostic device via a human-machine interface in order to select the appropriate test program for the cable to be checked.

[0007] In practice, this maintenance requires a lot of manual work, which is time-consuming and prone to errors due to the large number of cables that need to be tested. In particular, identification data entry errors may lead to the wrong selection of test procedures, thus providing inconsistent cable health status and even degrading the performance of the cable in some cases.

[0008] Another drawback of this diagnostic unit is that it is not upgradeable. For each new type of cable not listed in the diagnostic unit, the software of the diagnostic unit must be upgraded to obtain the appropriate test program, but this means sending the diagnostic unit back to the manufacturer.

[0009] Patent applications EP1149292A1 and EP2643703A1 also mention a diagnostic device having multiple input terminals to which multiple cables can be connected simultaneously. This solution is bulky and undesirable.

[0010] Also known from patent application EP2273278A2 is a test system with an adapter which is connected to a combination of electrical contacts of the test system determined by a continuous test. This requires a switch matrix and does not solve the above-mentioned overall size problem.

[0011] The present invention aims to obviate at least some of these drawbacks. Summary of the invention

[0012] The present invention relates to a jumper for connecting a cable to a test device for diagnosing the health of the cable, the jumper comprising: an output port configured to mate with an input port of a test device, and An input connector configured to mate with a connector of a cable, the input connector being electrically connected to the output port.

[0013] The present invention is notable in that the jumper includes at least one data storage element, which includes predetermined test data of the cable, and the data storage element is electrically connected to the output port through at least one data transmission line, and the data storage element is configured to provide the test data to the test device.

[0014] Therefore, the jumper has two functions, one is to provide electrical interconnection between the cable and the test equipment, and the other is to transmit the test data from the cable to the test equipment.

[0015] Advantageously, the use of a jumper according to the invention reduces the number of manual operations required when maintaining the cable. The data storage element automatically transfers the test data required for maintenance (cable reference values, voltage values, current values, etc.) to the test device. The operator thus does not need to manually enter the test data into the test device, which saves time. This also avoids the risk of errors when entering data. In addition, the test data is more accurate than the cable identification information in the prior art, allowing for more precise and reliable testing.

[0016] Furthermore, when connecting the data storage element to the test device, no special operation is required. The data storage element is connected to the output port of the jumper, and its connection with the test device ensures the connection of the data storage element to the test device.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the input connector of the jumper is paired with the connector of the cable only by shape complementarity, and the test data of the cable is stored in the data storage element. Advantageously, this ensures mechanical keying. The physical compatibility of the connectors on the jumper and the cable can ensure that the transmitted test data is related to the connected cable and not to other cables. This eliminates the need to check whether the stored test data matches the data of the connected cable.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, the jumper includes at least one power supply wire connecting the data storage element to the output port, and when the jumper is connected to the data storage element, the test device can supply power to the data storage element. This makes the power supply of the data storage element simple and convenient: connecting the output port of the jumper to the test device can transmit test data and supply power to the data storage element.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, the jumper comprises at least one electrical test lead connecting an output port to an input port, the output port comprising a protruding portion having an inner surface facing the electrical test lead, the data storage element being positioned against the inner surface of the protruding portion. The data storage element is advantageously protected from external attacks, such as mechanical shocks. The same applies to data storage and / or power supply leads.

[0020] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the jumper comprises a sheath surrounding the electrical test wire, to which the data storage element is attached. In this way, the data storage element is simply and conveniently attached to the jumper. In particular, by integrating such a data storage element, a jumper according to the prior art can thus be made compatible and usable with the test device proposed in the present application.

[0021] The present invention also relates to a module for diagnosing the health of at least one cable, the diagnostic module comprising a test device and at least one jumper as described above, the test device comprising at least one input port, the at least one input port being capable of establishing a detachable electrical connection with an output port of the jumper, the input connector of the jumper being configured to mate with a connector of the cable, the test device being configured to: Reading test data stored in the data storage elements of the jumpers, and · Perform testing, including: transmitting at least one test signal determined by the test data into the cable via the jumper, and Measure at least one response signal of the cable through the patch cord to determine the health of the cable.

[0022] Advantageously, the diagnostic module according to the invention allows simple, fast and reliable maintenance of one or more different types of cables. By integrating a data storage element in the jumper, cable-specific test data can be automatically transferred to the test device. This avoids manual entry or selection of these data in the test device, thus saving time and reducing the risk of errors during maintenance.

[0023] Advantageously, the diagnostic module can automatically perform maintenance on the cable. The diagnostic module of the invention is also advantageously upgradeable. To maintain a new type of cable, only a new jumper with a suitable input connector and a data storage element configured with the corresponding test data are required. No intervention or modification of the test device itself is required, which is particularly advantageous and effective in terms of saving time and cost: no return to the factory to update the test device is required.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, the test data is in a form that includes at least one of the following: code data to be executed by the test device, a test to be executed selected from a test list of the test device, and / or at least one test parameter for executing the test of the test device. Test data formats such as these help make the diagnostic module scalable. The test data can be used to complete and / or select a common test program stored in the test device, so that multiple possible tests can be generated for each type of cable.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, the data storage element of the jumper further comprises verification data, and the testing device is configured to: determining at least one reference signal from the verification data, and Compare the response signal with the reference signal.

[0026] The data storage element thus comprises two types of data related to the cable to be tested, namely test data allowing the test device to formulate the test procedure to be implemented and verification data allowing the test device to analyze the measured response signal. Advantageously, the proposed diagnostic module allows autonomous analysis of the measurement data to provide the operator with a diagnosis of the health of the cable. This means that the operator can perform simple and fast diagnostics on site using this single module.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the diagnostic module includes a plurality of jumpers, wherein at least two of the jumpers include input connectors of different shapes and different test data. Advantageously, each jumper can be used to connect and transmit test data specific to one type of cable to the test device. The keying provided by the shape of the input connector on each jumper allows ensuring that the pre-recorded test data matches the data of the compatible cable being tested.

[0028] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the diagnostic module test device comprises a single input port configured to mate alternately with the output port of each jumper. This makes the test device particularly compact, having a single universal input connector.

[0029] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the diagnostic module is portable. This type of module is particularly suitable for maintaining aircraft cables, in particular turbine cables, on site. This avoids time-consuming and expensive cable disassembly operations and avoids the risk of errors during reassembly.

[0030] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the jumper as described above, comprising: the step of electrically connecting the data storage element to the output port, and · Steps for programming test data into data storage elements.

[0031] These steps are advantageously simple, quick and inexpensive. For a given type of cable, these steps may be implemented on an existing patch cord, allowing it to be used with the test device of the present application.

[0032] The present invention also relates to a method for diagnosing the health of at least one cable by means of a jumper as described above, wherein the test data of the cable is initially stored in a data storage element of the jumper, the diagnostic method comprising: Steps to connect the jumper to the test fixture, Steps to connect the jumper to the cable, a step of reading, by the test device, the test data stored in the data storage element of the jumper, and · Perform testing, including: a step of transmitting, by the test device, at least one test signal ST determined by the test data DT to the cable via the jumper, and The step of measuring, by a test device through a patch cord, at least one response signal from the cable to determine the health of the cable.

[0033] Advantageously, this diagnostic method is both fast and easy to implement. Test data relating to the cable need not be manually entered or selected, as these data are immediately and automatically transferred to the data storage element. The reading step also makes the method more reliable, as it avoids the errors associated with manually entering test data.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the diagnostic method comprises the step of selecting a jumper whose input connector mates with a connector of the cable. By providing a suitable jumper, the diagnostic method is advantageously compatible with a variety of cable types.

[0035] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the diagnostic method comprises: a step of reading, by the test device, the verification data stored in the data storage element of the jumper, • The step of comparing, by the test device, the response signal with a reference signal determined based on the verification data.

[0036] Advantageously, the diagnostic method allows the measured response signal to be analyzed in order to diagnose the health of the cable using the same tool (diagnostic module) and in the field (without disassembling the cable). The diagnostics are also relevant because they are based on cable-specific validation data.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, a diagnostic method is implemented for at least one cable in an aircraft propulsion assembly, said cable initially connecting the aircraft computer with a turbomachine device, said diagnostic method comprising a preliminary step of disconnecting the connector of the cable from the turbomachine device. Advantageously, this diagnostic method does not require disassembly of the aircraft turbomachine, thus saving time and avoiding the risk of errors during reassembly. Furthermore, this diagnostic method makes it possible to diagnose all harnesses through a single diagnostic module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting example, in which like references indicate similar objects.

[0039] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a module for diagnosing the health status of a turbine wiring harness according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the diagnostic module in use.

[0041] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 Longitudinal cross section of the jumper of the diagnostic module in .

[0042] Figure 4 According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the jumper method.

[0043] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the test setup of the diagnostic module.

[0044] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a method for diagnosing the health status of a turbine wiring harness according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] It should be noted that the drawings illustrate the invention in detail in order to implement the invention, and of course, if necessary, the drawings can be used to better define the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for diagnosing the health of a cable. The invention will be described hereinafter in the context of aircraft cable maintenance, for which the invention has been developed, but it goes without saying that the invention is applicable to any type of cable.

[0047] As mentioned in the introduction, there are many cables on an aircraft (particularly harnesses called "electrical harnesses" or "power distribution lines"). Each cable is sized to transmit electrical energy from the power cabinet to aircraft equipment, called "electrical loads". Aircraft equipment takes the form of sensors and actuators installed in one or more turbines of the aircraft's propulsion units to control speed.

[0048] As is known to all, each cable consists of wire assemblies called "strands" that are grouped together by protective sheaths. Each cable includes an input connector that connects to the power supply cabinet and an output connector that connects to the aircraft equipment to supply power to the aircraft equipment. The cable is installed on the aircraft and attached to the structure by hose clamps and fixing clamps.

[0049] In reality, cables are not universal, but rather specific to the turbine and equipment to which they are connected. There are many different types of cables, each with their own specific input and / or output connectors. For example, Figure 2 Schematically showing three cables 100-A, 100-B, 100-C, whose output connectors 110-A, 110-B, 110-C are disconnected from the turbine device 400. Each output connector 110-A, 110-B, 110-C has a specific shape different from the other connectors. It should be noted that the actual shape of the output connectors 110-A, 110-B, 110-C is not as shown. Figure 2 In practice, the shape of the connector 110 depends in particular on the number of contacts it comprises, which corresponds to the number of wires in the cable 100 .

[0050] In fact, during maintenance, it is necessary to check the health of all cables 100, that is, to check the electrical continuity and insulation of each wire. The continuity check consists of checking whether the wires between the connectors are interrupted or damaged. The electrical insulation check consists of verifying that the wires are in electrical contact with the adjacent wires to avoid short circuits. These tests consist of measuring the resistance value of each wire of each cable 100. Preferably, a capacitance test is also performed on each wire to check the health of the cable 100. The capacitance check consists of measuring the capacitance value between each wire in the cable 100 and its internal shielding layer, which is applied to the contacts on the output connector 110.

[0051] For this purpose, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The present invention relates to a diagnostic module 1, which comprises a test device 2 and one or more jumpers 6. Each jumper 6 comprises: an output port 7 configured to cooperate with the input port 3 of the test device 2 and to be electrically connected to the test device 2 in a detachable manner, an input connector 8 configured to mate with a connector 110 of a cable 100 to be diagnosed, the input connector being electrically connected to the output port, and A data storage element 9 , which includes predetermined test data DT of the cable 100 and is electrically connected to the output port 7 via at least one data transmission conductor 12 , the data storage element 9 being configured to provide the test data DT to the test device 2 .

[0052] Still according to the present invention and referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the test device 2 is configured to: · reading the test data DT stored in the data storage element 9 of the jumper 6, · Perform testing, including: · transmitting a test signal ST determined by the test data DT to the cable 100 via the jumper 6, and Measuring at least one response signal SR of the cable 100 via the jumper 6 to determine the health status ES of the cable 100 .

[0053] In practice, the diagnostic module 1 comprises as many jumpers 6 as there are types of cables 100, so that all aircraft cables 100, in particular turbines 500, can be serviced. Figure 2 In the example shown, three types of cables 100 -A, 100 -B, 100 -C are included, and the diagnostic module includes three jumpers 6 -A, 6 -B, 6 -C.

[0054] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, each jumper 6-A, 6-B, 6-C provides electrical interconnection between a specific type of cable 100-A, 100-B, 100-C and the test device 2. Therefore, the diagnostic module 1 only needs a single test device 2 to test all cables 100. Each jumper 6-A, 6-B, 6-C also transmits test data DT specific to the cable 100-A, 100-B, 100-C, such as cable reference values, test voltage values, and current values. This avoids manual input or selection of these data in the test device 2. For example, the second jumper 6-B is used to connect the second cable 100-B to the test device 2 and transmit test data DT-B related to the second cable 100-B to it.

[0055] Advantageously, the diagnostic module 1 is upgradeable. To test a new type of cable, only a new jumper 6 needs to be provided with a suitable connector 8 and a data storage element 9 configured with cable-specific test data DT, readable by the test device 2. No updating of the test device 2 is necessary. The test data DT provides all the information required by the test device 2 to perform the appropriate tests, i.e. to measure the electrical parameters of the cable 100. Preferably, the data storage element 9 also comprises verification data DV, to allow the measurement results to be compared with reference data, in order to draw conclusions about the health of the cable 100.

[0056] Preferably, the diagnostic module 1 consists only of the test device 2 and the jumpers 6-A, 6-B, 6-C. Advantageously, the diagnostic module 1 is portable to allow maintenance on board the aircraft. It is only necessary to disconnect the cable 100 from the aircraft equipment and connect it to the test device 2 via the appropriate jumpers 6-A, 6-B, 6-C. This avoids the time-consuming and laborious disassembly of the cable 100 and the risk of errors during reassembly. The jumpers 6 are preferably flexible to facilitate connection.

[0057] The structure and functional characteristics of the jumper 6 and the test device 2 will be described in detail below.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, each jumper 6 comprises an electrical test lead 10 electrically connecting the input connector 8 with the output port 7. The electrical test lead 10 provides an electrical connection between the cable 100 and the test device 2, in particular ensuring the transmission of the test signal ST and the response signal SR.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the data storage element 9 is electrically connected to the output port 7 via a data transmission conductor 12. The data transmission conductor 12 can safely, reliably and quickly transmit the test data DT to the test device 2. In a preferred aspect, a power supply conductor 13 also connects the data storage element 9 to the output port 7. This allows the data storage element 9 to be powered by the test device 2 in a simple and practical manner. Figure 4In the example shown, the power supply line 13 is shown separately from the data transmission line 12, but it goes without saying that they can be combined.

[0060] Reference Figure 4 , the data storage element 9 is mounted on the jumper 6. According to a preferred aspect, a protective sheath 11 surrounds an electrical test lead 10 attached to the data storage element 9. Preferably, the data storage element 9 is mounted near the output port 7, preferably less than 10 cm, to reduce the length of the data transmission lead 12 and the power supply lead 13. Being as close as possible to the output port 7, the data storage element 9 is protected by the armature of the output port 7 and is protected from any electromagnetic interference.

[0061] according to Figure 4 In the preferred aspect shown, the output port 7 comprises a protruding portion 14 protruding toward the input connector 8. The protruding portion 14 comprises an inner surface 15 facing the sheath 11 and the electrical test wire 10, which together define a housing in which the data storage element 9 is mounted. Thus, the data storage element 9 extends against the inner surface 15 of the protruding portion 14, providing protection, in particular, when subjected to impact. This also protects the data transmission wire 12 and the power supply wire 13.

[0062] Preferably, the data storage element 9 is in the form of an electronic chip comprising a programmable memory for storing test data DT. Preferably, the memory is reprogrammable in order to modify the test data DT. Preferably, the test data DT comprises one or more of the following content elements: reference information of the cable 100, turbine and / or aircraft equipment, number of the cable 100, number of contacts of the cable 100, electrical test parameter values ​​(voltage, current). Preferably, the test data DT is in the form of one or more of the following: code data to be executed by the test device 2, selection of a test to be executed from a test list of the test device 2 and / or one or more test parameters for executing a test of the test device 2.

[0063] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to a preferred aspect, the input connector 8 is configured to mate with the connector 110 of the cable 100 in a form-fitting manner (keying function). Therefore, the jumper 6 can be connected only to the cable 100 corresponding to the cable whose test data DT is stored in the data storage element 9. The physical compatibility ensures that the test data DT transmitted to the test device 2 is the test data of the connected cable 100.

[0064] For example, in Figure 3In the embodiment, the second input connector 8-B is configured to mate with the second connector 110-B of the second cable 100-B in a form-fitting manner, but not with the second connectors 110-B of the first cable 100-A and the third cable 100-C. It should be noted that the actual shapes of the input connectors 8-A, 8-B, and 8-C are not as shown. Figures 2 to 5 shown.

[0065] Figure 5 A manufacturing method F for manufacturing a jumper 6 is shown, comprising a step F1 of electrically connecting a data storage element 9 to an output port 7, and a step F2 of programming predetermined test data DT into the data storage element 9. Advantageously, the data storage element 9 can be mounted on an existing, i.e. passive and non-intelligent jumper 6. Advantageously, the programming F2 is done during factory assembly, making the jumper 6 available to operators during maintenance.

[0066] Reference Figure 6 , the test device 2 comprises an input port 3 configured to be connected to the output port 7 of each jumper 6. Preferably, there is a single input port 3, but each jumper 6 may be connected alternately.

[0067] according to Figure 6 In the preferred aspect shown, the test device 2 further comprises a measuring member 4, a control member 5 and a display member 6. The measuring member 4 is in the form of an electrical measuring device, such as a voltmeter, an ammeter or a multimeter. The control member 5 is, for example, a microcontroller. The display member 6 is, for example, in the form of a screen.

[0068] like Figure 6 As shown, the control member 5 is configured to read the test data DT stored in the data storage element 9 and determine the specific test T of the cable 100 to be checked. The test T specifies the protocol to be implemented to check the health of the cable 100, transmitting a specific test signal ST to the cable 100 to measure the resistance of each wire and preferably the shielding capability of each wire to check the insulation and continuity of the cable 100.

[0069] Preferably, the test T is determined based on test data DT and a test program P stored in the test device 2 (in this case, the control member 5). In a first aspect, the test data DT is in parameter form, which allows the test program P to be adapted to the cable 100 to be checked. By selecting the values ​​of one or more parameters, various different tests can be performed. In a second aspect, the test program P includes a list of tests, and the test data DT is used to identify the relevant tests in the list. Advantageously, the test T can be determined very simply. According to a third aspect, the test data DT includes code data that can complete the test program P and thus determine the test T. The last variant allows the test device 2 to be as expandable as possible, with the test range being unlimited and preferably only determined by the test data DT. Therefore, the diagnostic module 1 can automatically determine the appropriate test and execute it automatically without operator intervention.

[0070] like Figure 6 As shown, the control member 5 is configured to transmit the test T to the measuring member 4. The measuring member 4 is configured to perform the test T, that is, transmit the test signal ST to the cable 100 through the jumper 6. The measuring member 4 obtains a response signal SR in response to the test signal ST through the jumper 6, and transmits the response signal SR to the control member 5.

[0071] Reference Figure 6 , the control member 5 is configured to determine the health status ES of the cable 100 based on the response signal SR and transmit the health status ES to the display member 6. Preferably, the control member 5 is configured to compare the response signal with one or more reference signals, for example to determine the minimum and / or maximum tolerance thresholds of electrical insulation and / or continuity.

[0072] according to Figure 6 In the preferred aspect shown, the reference signal is determined by verification data DV stored in the data storage element 9 and specific to the cable 100. The data storage element 9 comprises test data DT and verification data DV, both of which are transmitted to the control member 5. This allows each cable to be checked individually, increasing reliability. The display member 6 can also directly display the response signal SR as a health status ES.

[0073] Reference Figure 6 The present invention also relates to a method E for diagnosing the health status of a cable 100, comprising: Preferably, the cable 100 is disconnected at the output connector 110 connected to the turbine equipment (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ), Preferably, a step E1 of selecting a jumper 6 according to the cable 100, Steps E2 , E3 of connecting the selected jumper 6 to the test device 2 and to the cable 100 , a step E4 of reading the test data DT and preferably the verification data DV, and · Perform testing, including: a step E5 of transmitting a test signal ST determined by the test data DT to the cable 100 via the jumper 6, a step E6 of measuring the response signal SR from the cable 100 via the jumper 6 , and Preferably, a step E7 of comparing the response signal with a reference signal Srcf to determine the health status ES of the cable 100 .

[0074] Reference Figure 1 , the diagnostic method E can be advantageously implemented on board an aircraft. This eliminates the need to dismantle and reinstall various cables on board the aircraft. The disconnection step E0 comprises disconnecting the cable 100 to be tested from the aircraft equipment to which it is connected.

[0075] Reference Figure 2 The selection step E2 is preferably implemented according to the shape of the connector 110 of the cable 100. The selected jumper 6 is a jumper, preferably the only jumper, that fits the cable 100 in a form-fitting manner, thereby providing a keying function. It goes without saying that the selection step E2 can also be implemented according to, for example, a label or a color code indicating a reference of the connector on the jumper 6.

[0076] Reference Figure 3 , the connection step E2 is manually implemented by the operator by connecting the output port 7 of the patch cord 6 to the input port 3 of the test device 2. Likewise, the connection step E3 is manually implemented by the operator by connecting the input connector 8 of the patch cord 6 to the output connector 110 of the cable 100. In fact, the connection step E3 is implemented during the selection step E1.

[0077] Reference Figure 6 , the reading step E4 is carried out by the testing device 2, more precisely by the control member 5. Preferably, the control member 5 is also able to supply power to the data storage element 9 during the reading step E4.

[0078] Reference Figure 6 , the step E5 of sending the test signal ST and the step E6 of measuring the response signal SR are implemented by the test device 2, more precisely by the calculation member 4. The test signal ST is preferably specified in the test T and is provided from the test data DT by the control member 5. The jumper 6, more specifically the electrical test wire 10, ensures the transmission of the test signal ST and the response signal SR between the cable 100 and the measurement member 4.

[0079] Preferably, before step E5 and step E6, the test is performed comprising a step of calibrating the test device 2 relative to the cable 100 to be checked. The calibration step is carried out by determining a tare value corresponding to the residual resistance of the cable 100. The tare value is then subtracted from the test signal ST and the corresponding measured response signal SR in order to obtain the relevant measurement result.

[0080] Preferably, the comparison step E7 is implemented by the test device 2, more precisely, by the control member 5 based on the verification data DV. The verification data DV is used to determine the reference signal Sref with which the response signal SR is compared. The control member 5 then transmits the health status ES of the cable 100 to the display member 6. The reference signal Sref can be in the form of a tolerance threshold value related to an electrical insulation and / or continuity standard. If the response signal SR meets the tolerance threshold value, the health status ES is displayed as valid. Otherwise, the health status ES is displayed as invalid. Preferably, the health status ES indicates the wires that do not meet the minimum and / or maximum permissible threshold values. The display member 6 can also display the response signal SR controlled by the operator.

[0081] Advantageously, steps E4 to E7 allow the health of the connected cable 100 to be checked to be checked autonomously and automatically, i.e. without operator intervention. The operator only has to select the appropriate jumper 6 and connect it to the test device 2 and the cable 100. This saves time and increases reliability, in particular when a large number of cables 100 to be controlled are operated in a chain (for example when maintaining cables 100 of an aircraft 500).

Claims

1. A diagnostic module (1) for diagnosing the health of multiple types of cables (100), the diagnostic module (1) comprising a test device (2) and a plurality of jumpers (6A, 6B), each jumper being configured to connect a type of cable (100) to the test device (2), the jumpers (6A, 6B) each comprising: an output port (7) configured to cooperate with an input port (3) of a test device (2), Input connectors (8-A, 8-B) of different shapes, configured to mate with a connector (110) of a type of cable (100), the input connector (8) being electrically connected to the output port (7), at least one data storage element (9) comprising different predetermined test data (DT, DT-B) of one type of cable (100), said data storage element (9) being electrically connected to the output port (7) via at least one data transmission conductor (12), said data storage element (9) being configured to provide the test data (DT, DT-B) to the test device (2), A test device (2), comprising a single input port (3), the single input port (3) being configured to be able to alternately establish a detachable electrical connection with an output port (7) of each jumper (6A, 6B), the test device (2) being configured to: Read the test data (DT, DT-B), and ·Performing a test, comprising: transmitting at least one test signal (ST) determined by test data (DT, DT-B) to the cable (100) through the jumper (6A, 6B); and measuring at least one response signal (SR) of the cable (100) through the jumper (6A, 6B) to determine the health status (ES) of the cable (100).

2. A diagnostic module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the input connector (8-A, 8-B) of each jumper (6-A, 6-B) is configured to mate with the connector (110) of the cable (100) only by shape complementarity, and the test data (DT, DT-B) of the cable (100) is stored in the data storage element (9).

3. A diagnostic module (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein each jumper (6-A, 6-B) comprises at least one power supply conductor (13) connecting the data storage element (9) to the output port (7), allowing the data storage element (9) to be powered by the test device (2).

4. A diagnostic module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each jumper (6-A, 6-B) includes at least one electrical test wire (10) connecting the output port (7) to the input connector (8-A, 8-B), wherein the output port (7) includes a protrusion (14), the protrusion (14) includes an inner surface (15) facing the electrical test wire (10), and the data storage element (9) is positioned to abut against the inner surface (15) of the protrusion (14).

5. A diagnostic module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the form of the test data (DT, DT-B) includes at least one of the following: code data executed by the test device (2), selection of a test to be performed from a test list of the test device (2) and / or at least one test parameter for performing a test of the test device (2).

6. The diagnostic module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the data storage element (9) of each jumper (6-A, 6-B) further comprises verification data (DV), and the test device (2) is configured to: determining at least one reference signal (Sref) from the verification data (DV), and • Compare the response signal (SR) with the reference signal (Sref).

7. A method (E) for diagnosing the health of multiple types of cables (100) by means of a diagnostic module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein test data (DT) of one type of cable (100) is initially stored in a data storage element (9) of each jumper (6-A, 6-B), the method (E) comprising: a step (E1) of selecting a jumper (6-A, 6-B), the input connector (8-A, 8-B) of which is configured to mate with the connector (110) of the cable (100), · step (E2) of connecting the jumper wire (6) to the test device (2), a step (E3) of connecting the jumper wire (6) to the cable (100), a step (E4) of reading, by the test device (2), the test data (DT) stored in the data storage element (9) of the jumper (6), and · Perform testing, including: a step (E5) of transmitting, by the test device (2) via the jumper (6) to the cable (100), at least one test signal (ST) determined by the test data (DT), and A step (E6) of measuring, by the test device (2) via the jumper (6), at least one response signal (SR) of the cable (100) to determine the health status (ES) of the cable (100).

8. The diagnostic method (E) according to claim 7, which is applicable to at least one cable (100) in an aircraft propulsion assembly (700), the cable (100) initially connecting the aircraft computer (300) with the turbine equipment (400), and the diagnostic method (E) comprises a preliminary step (E0) of disconnecting the connector (110) of the cable (100) from the turbine machinery equipment (400).

Images