ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY MEASUREMENT DEVICE FOR THE AERONAUTICAL OR SPACE SECTOR

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (1) for measuring electrical conductivity between two parts, said device being intended to be connected to an external module and comprising: – an active probe (11); – a human-machine interface (13); – gripping means (14). According to the invention, said device (1) comprises a main housing (10) integrating at least partially the active probe (11), said human-machine interface (13), and said gripping means (14). Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY MEASURING DEVICE FOR THE AERONAUTICAL OR SPACE FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electrical conductivity measuring devices intended to be used in particular in explosive atmospheres. Such measuring devices are more particularly intended to be used in the fields of aeronautics and space where the risks of explosion are high.

[0002] Indeed, during the assembly of an aircraft, such as an airplane, a helicopter, a drone, etc. or later during maintenance operations, operators ensure that the parts or constituent elements of the aircraft are properly assembled to each other. To this end, operators carry out contact resistance measurements. These checks can in particular be carried out by measuring the resistance values ​​between elements (or parts of an element).

[0003] The resistance value is in fact a physical quantity which reflects the quality of the junction between the elements. Thus, the lower this value, the better the junction. The junctions of the elements of an aircraft advantageously have a low resistance value to limit the damage caused when the aircraft is struck by lightning.

[0004] Such a type of measuring device can also be used to control the metallization of parts, the quality of welding, etc.

[0005] This type of measuring device is also intended to be used in very varied environments, for example outdoors, at altitude (for example up to 3000 meters above sea level), in temperature ranges ranging from -20°C to 50°C, in humid environments (for example with a humidity level of up to 90% without condensation and at a temperature of 45°C), in a confined space (airplane wing, fuel tank, etc.).

[0006] Known electrical conductivity measuring devices generally comprise two parts: a first part, called the measuring part, which consists of a probe held at arm's length by the operator, and a second part containing all the electronics (including a man-machine interface, a battery, etc.) which is generally attached to the operator's belt.

[0007] Although functional, these existing measuring devices are heavy and bulky. Indeed, their weight generally exceeds one kilogram. Thus, these measuring devices are not very ergonomic and, above all, not very suitable for intensive and prolonged use by an operator.

[0008] The present invention therefore proposes to remedy at least partially the drawbacks mentioned above by proposing a lightweight measuring device, which is easy to handle and intuitive, in particular by proposing a device which is similar in use whether the operator is left-handed or right-handed, allowing better ergonomics for prolonged use, and facilitating measurement taking in places which are difficult to access.

[0009] The invention thus relates to a device for measuring electrical conductivity between two parts, said device being intended to be connected to at least one external module and comprising:

[0010] - an active probe; - a human-machine interface; - means for gripping said measuring device.

[0011] According to the invention, said measuring device comprises a main housing integrating at least in part the active probe, said human-machine interface and said gripping means.

[0012] In this way, the measuring device according to the invention is portable and, after assembly, constitutes a single element thus facilitating its handling and manipulation by the operator. Its use is also facilitated in confined and difficult-to-access places where the operator's movements are limited. More precisely, such a main housing has contained dimensions (for example with a maximum length of approximately 35 cm) so that it can fit in the operator's hand and allows measurements to be taken in all conditions, even in places that are difficult to access. In other words, the device allows the user to take measurements from different angles and in obstructed places, in particular.It is also noted that such a device has a relatively low weight (preferably less than 1 kg) which facilitates its handling and limits fatigue for the operator who, for example, has to carry and use the measuring device for long periods of time.

[0013] In this document, the term “human-machine interface” is understood to mean all of the elements enabling the user to interact with the measuring device according to the invention, more particularly to control / command the measuring device and to exchange information with said measuring device.

[0014] In one example, said measuring device comprises an electrical power source, such as a battery, disposed in said main housing.

[0015] Thus, by embedding the power supply directly in the main housing of the measuring device, the battery no longer needs to be attached to the user's belt as is the case with state-of-the-art measuring devices. The measuring device that is the subject of the invention makes it possible to do without the power cable. which, in existing measuring devices, connects the battery to the active probe, which is a source of discomfort for the user whose movements it hinders.

[0016] Preferably, such a battery must be able to pass tests related to ATEX standards. In this sense, it is for example necessary to avoid heating of the battery in the event of a short circuit and to avoid generating sparks. Very low currents, of the order of 10 to 100 mA must also be avoided. The battery may also include internal safety devices, generally known.

[0017] According to another possible characteristic, said active probe comprises: - a first electrode; - an elongated body carrying said electrode; and - a measurement card configured to measure electrical conductivity.

[0018] Electrical conductivity is understood to mean a physical quantity reflecting the capacity of a material constituting an element to conduct electric current, this electrical conductivity is generally measured in Ohms or in Siemens. Advantageously, the measurement card is an analog card. More particularly, the measurement part is located on a separate card containing only analog electronic components, in order to limit noise that could distort the measurement of electrical conductivity.

[0019] According to another possible characteristic, the first electrode comprises two test probes, namely a first probe for measuring a voltage and a second probe for injecting the test current.

[0020] When the external module is in the form of a passive probe, this probe comprises a second electrode which also comprises two test probes, namely a third tip for measuring a voltage and a fourth tip for measuring the test current.

[0021] According to another possible characteristic, said extension is a tube and / or a rod.

[0022] According to another possible characteristic, said extension has at least one straight and / or curved portion.

[0023] Such a portion, especially when it is curved, makes it easier to access the part to be tested, even in restricted and difficult-to-access spaces. In this way, the operator can easily reach the part to be tested.

[0024] According to another possible characteristic, said measuring device comprises lighting means. The lighting means are, for example, in the form of one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The lighting means are configured in particular to illuminate an area near the first electrode of the active probe, for example by means of an optical lens. The lighting means allow the operator in particular to determine the place where the first electrode presses on the part to be tested and contribute to facilitating the handling of the measuring device in poorly lit areas.

[0025] According to another possible characteristic, said measuring device comprises alert means. Such alert means are, for example, in the form of an audible and / or luminous indicator. They may be configured to indicate that the measurement has been carried out and / or whether it is correct or not. For example, the result of the measurement may be displayed on display means of the human-machine interface and / or announced in the form of an audible signal emitted by a loudspeaker of the human-machine interface.

[0026] According to another possible characteristic, the human-machine interface comprises at least one display means.

[0027] Such a display means may be a screen, such a screen being able to be tactile depending on the implementation.

[0028] According to another possible characteristic, the main housing has an elongated shape, more particularly the main housing has a longitudinal axis (XX). In other words, the housing extends substantially in a rectilinear manner. The main housing is advantageously made of plastic material, for example charged (or electrically active) to prevent the accumulation of electrostatic energy on said housing so that the latter can be handled with bare hands (i.e. without gloves) by an operator. In other words, the material used is chosen to dissipate electrostatic energy and thus prevent electrostatic discharges -ESD- (also called ESD for "ElectroStatic Discharge" in English) towards the operator.

[0029] Furthermore, the material from which the housing is manufactured is chosen to be compatible with hydrocarbons (such as Glycol or Kerosene, in particular), that is to say that the properties of said material are not or only slightly altered upon contact with hydrocarbons. The material must also have sufficient resistance / robustness to impacts, scratches and other falls taking into account its environment of use.

[0030] According to another possible characteristic, at least two of the following elements of the active probe are aligned: the gripping means, the human-machine interface, the active probe. It is particularly advantageous for the gripping means and the human-machine interface to be aligned, making the interactions between the operator and the human-machine interface more ergonomic. Thus, reading a measurement on the screen of the human-machine interface is more natural and easier, because it can be carried out directly and immediately by the operator.

[0031] Similarly, the interaction between the operator and the input means of the interface human-machine interaction is also made more natural and easier, because the input means, such as keys on a real or virtual keyboard (when the screen is a touch screen) and / or other switches are easily and quickly accessible and usable, because these are located substantially in the same place and within reach of the operator, making the use of the measuring device according to the invention optimal.

[0032] According to another possible characteristic, said gripping means of the active probe have a beveled end. The beveled shape of the free end of the gripping means of the active probe makes it possible in particular to reach places that are difficult to access and to bring the first electrode into sufficient contact with the part to be tested to carry out a correct conductivity measurement.For example, when taking a measurement, the operator can press the beveled end of the active probe so that the electrode comes into good contact with the part to be tested. This shape also makes it easier for the operator to grip and manipulate the measuring device, especially in hard-to-reach places.

[0033] According to another possible characteristic, one or more parts of the active probe are removable.

[0034] Advantageously, the first electrode and / or the extension of the active probe are removable elements, that is to say that the operator can easily dismantle these elements, for example to replace them with others or to transport the measuring device. Furthermore, it may be advantageous to be able to dismantle the electrodes, in order to limit the risks of injury to the operator and the risks of damage to the measuring device during transport and / or handling of the measuring device according to the invention, outside of ordinary use thereof. It is also advantageous to be able to change the type of electrode of the active probe depending on the type of measurement to be carried out and / or the material of the part to be tested.

[0035] According to another possible characteristic, one or more parts of the passive probe are removable.

[0036] Advantageously, the electrode and / or the elongated body of the passive probe are removable elements. It is therefore easy to change the type of the first electrode of the active probe and / or the second electrode of the passive probe depending on the type of measurement to be carried out and / or the material of the part to be tested. In addition, the fact that these elements are removable also makes it easier to maintain them, in particular because the test tips wear and deform over time.

[0037] According to another possible characteristic, the first electrode of the active probe and / or the second electrode of the passive probe each have two test tips, respectively a first and a third test tip configured to inject current into the part to be tested and a second and a fourth test tip to carry out a voltage measurement.

[0038] Said first, second, third and fourth touch points can have at least three different shapes: straight, round, concave, etc.

[0039] It is thus possible to select the shape of each tip for each of the probes in order to adapt to the topography of the area of ​​the part to be measured or to the type of measurement to be carried out. Thus, a large number of combinations of tip shape for each of the active and passive probes is available so as to improve the operation of the measuring device according to the invention and thus improve the quality of the measurements to be carried out.

[0040] According to another possible characteristic, the device comprises means for connecting an external module, said external module belonging to the group comprising:

[0041] - a passive probe; - a four-wire probe; - a Kelvin probe; - a data transfer cable; - a docking station; - an electric charger; - an external electric battery.

[0042] According to another possible characteristic, connection means in the form of a connector intended to connect said measuring device with the external module are located at the gripping means. More precisely, the main housing has a first face, called the front face, on which the human-machine interface is located, said connector is, for its part, located at the gripping means on the second face, called the rear face, opposite this front face.

[0043] According to another possible characteristic, the gripping means of the active probe are configured so that the gripping of the measuring device is carried out in an area between said connector and the human-machine interface.

[0044] According to another possible characteristic, said device comprises at least two separate electronic cards, namely the measuring card and a main card, or motherboard.

[0045] The invention also relates to a system for measuring electrical conductivity between two elements comprising a device as described previously and a passive probe connected to said device when taking a measurement.

[0046] According to another possible characteristic, the external module connected to said measuring device is a passive probe having an elongated body on which a second electrode (also called a receiving tip) is mounted, as well as a sleeve, removable or overmolded, at least partially covering the elongated body of the probe. passive. Said passive probe also comprises gripping means, located in particular at the level of the sleeve, as well as a connector allowing the passive probe to be connected to said measuring device via a cable.

[0047] According to another possible characteristic, the system comprises a measuring device as described previously and a docking station intended to receive said measuring device to recharge said battery of the measuring device and / or exchange data with the latter.

[0048] According to another possible characteristic of said system, said docking station comprises a connector configured to connect to said connector of said device, said docking station being configured to recharge the battery via said connector which also makes it possible to connect the external module to the measuring device.

[0049] The invention will be better understood, and other aims, details, characteristics and advantages thereof will appear more clearly during the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention, given solely for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings, among which: - [Fig.l], is a three-quarter front perspective view of a measuring device according to the invention; - [Fig.2], is a perspective view, from behind, of the measuring device of [Fig.l] - [Fig.3], is an exploded view partially representing the measuring device of [Fig.l]; - [Fig.4], is a schematic representation of a measuring device according to the invention; - [Fig.5], is a perspective view of a measuring device according to the invention arranged on a docking station.

[0050] Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views illustrating a device 1 for measuring electrical conductivity between two parts of an aircraft. Of course, these two parts may belong to another type of vehicle or to any type of object for which such conductivity measurements may be required.

[0051] This type of measuring device 1 is used in particular during the assembly of an aircraft, such as an airplane, a helicopter, a drone, etc. or later during maintenance operations on the latter to ensure that the parts are correctly assembled to each other by measuring contact resistances, and more particularly resistances of low value (for example less than or equal to 60 Ohms, preferably a few Ohms, and more preferably still less than 1 Ohm).

[0052] The measuring device 1 according to the invention comprises a main housing 10 comprising an active probe 11, a man-machine interface 13 and an area in which are formed gripping means 14, in particular. Such a portable device 1 is intended to be connected to an external module 2 such as a passive probe thus forming a four-wire or Kelvin probe, or a data transfer cable, a docking station, an electric charger or an external electric battery, for example.

[0053] When the device 1 is used to measure the electrical conductivity between two parts (not shown), the external module 2 is a passive probe. In order to measure the electrical conductivity between the two parts, the passive probe 2 is placed in electrical contact with a first part and the active probe 11 of the device 1 is placed in electrical contact with a second part. In this case, the device 1 and the passive probe 2 then form a system 100 for measuring the electrical conductivity between two elements / parts.

[0054] The main housing 10 comprises a first portion, substantially rectilinear, extending from a first end of the housing 10, and forming the gripping means 14. These gripping means 14 are shaped to allow the user to grasp and hold the device 1 in an easy and ergonomic manner, whether right-handed or left-handed.

[0055] The gripping means 14 have a substantially rectilinear portion 141 as well as a beveled portion 142 at the first end of the housing 10 so as to facilitate its handling, in particular in narrow and difficult-to-access spaces.

[0056] More specifically, the housing 10 has an upper, or front, face, visible in [Fig. 1] and a lower, or rear, face, visible in [Fig. 2]. The gripping means 14, on the upper face, are substantially smooth or flat and may be covered with a material increasing grip or having a relatively high coefficient of friction so as to prevent the device 1 from slipping from the operator's hands. On the lower face of the housing 10, the gripping means 14 comprise a plurality of grooves, or notches, 143. More specifically, four grooves 143 are formed therein so as to improve the grip of the device 1.

[0057] The gripping means 14 are extended by a second portion of the housing 10 which is occupied by the human-machine interface 13 of the device 1. In other words, the human-machine interface 13 is located in the extension of the gripping means 14 with which it is aligned. The human-machine interface 13 comprises in particular a display screen 131, of the OLED type for example, and data entry means comprising for example a plurality of navigation / data entry keys 132. When the screen 131 is a touch screen, the data entry means are merged with the latter. As illustrated, the human-machine interface 13 is located on the upper face of the housing 10 so as to facilitate its manual access and visual for the operator and therefore make its use more intuitive. The display screen 131 makes it possible in particular to provide information concerning the measurement in progress, the battery charge level as well as alarms or faults, for example.

[0058] The active probe 11 is located at the end of the housing 10 opposite the beveled portion 142, in the extension of the human-machine interface 13 and opposite the gripping means 14. The active probe 11 projects at least partly from the housing 10, in the longitudinal axis XX of the latter, in order to reach measurement points located in areas that are difficult to access in particular.

[0059] More specifically, the active probe 11 comprises an elongated body, or extension, or extension, 112 which projects out of the housing 10. The elongated body 112 has, in the example illustrated, a substantially rectilinear shape. It is however conceivable to provide an elongated body that is curved or has a rectilinear portion followed by a curved portion, or vice versa. It should be noted that at least part of the elongated body 112 can be housed in the housing 10.

[0060] The free end of the elongated body 112 carries an electrode 111 comprising two touch tips 111a and 111b, intended respectively for the passage of current and for measuring voltage. In this example, the larger tip is movable. In this way, when the operator applies the tip to the element to be tested, he can feel the relative movement of the tip towards the inside of the elongated body 112 under the pressure he exerts. This movement of the larger tip makes it possible to indicate to the operator that he has correctly applied the tip against the element to be tested.

[0061] In this example, the longer tip is for power (i.e., for current flow), while the shorter tip is used to perform the measurement.

[0062] An electrode is understood to mean a conductive element of an electronic device which fulfills one or more functions such as the emission, capture or control by an electric field of electrically charged particles circulating in a material.

[0063] It should be noted that to facilitate storage and transport of the device 1, at least some of the constituent elements of the device 10 are removable and / or dismountable. More particularly, the active probe 11 can be separated from the main housing 10. To do this, the active probe 11 has removable means 114 for fixing the elongated body 112 to the housing 10 and the housing comprises corresponding means 101 (visible in [Fig. 3]). Similarly, the electrode 111 can be separated from the elongated body 112 and thus be interchangeable with any other type of electrode (as described in more detail in the remainder of this description).

[0064] The active probe 11 also comprises a module for processing the measured data and / or a module for controlling / driving the device. In this example, the module for processing the measured data is in the form of a card. measurement 113 (visible in figures 3 and 4) intended to process the signals from the electrode 111. In this example, the measurement card 113 is of the analog type.

[0065] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the main housing 10 houses all the elements of the device 1. A motherboard 190 of the digital type is housed in the housing 10 and makes it possible to control all the electronic components of the device 10 and in particular the measurement card 113. The motherboard 190 includes in particular an analog-digital converter allowing communication with the measurement card 113 of the active probe 11 which makes it possible to control it and collect the measured data. The human-machine interface 13 is also connected to the motherboard 190.

[0066] Furthermore, the device 1 comprises connection means 18 which are connected to the motherboard 190. These connection means 18, for example in the form of a USB port (for “Universal Serial Bus” in English), make it possible to connect the external module, such as the passive probe 2, to the portable device 1.

[0067] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the connection means 18 are located at the level of the gripping means 14 of the housing 10 and more particularly on the lower face of the housing 10 between the grooves 143 and the beveled end 142. Thus, the gripping of the device 1 by the operator can be done between the connection means 18 and the human-machine interface 13.

[0068] Such connection means 18 are configured so that the recharging of the device 1 and the exchange of data can be carried out outside the area, that is to say in a secure location, separate from the area in which the operator carries out the measurements. Such connection means 18 also have a mechanical structure configured to ensure sealing of the device 1 during measurement, in particular in an explosive atmosphere and, generally, against water and liquids.

[0069] The external module 2 is connected to the connection means 18 via a cable preferably resistant to hydrocarbons and numerous usage cycles. The connection between the external module 2 and the device 1 is preferably made outside the area in order to be able to ensure and check the tightness of the connection. Preferably, the device 1 is only allowed to be powered up when a probe is actually connected to the device 1. Such a connection must also ensure the tightness of the device 1, particularly when the passive probe 2 is connected to the device 1.

[0070] The connection means 18 therefore make it possible to exchange data between the device 1 and external equipment such as a computer via a connection cable 182 or a docking station capable of communicating with the computer so as to recover the collected data relating to the measurements carried out by the device 1. The connection means also make it possible to configure the device 1 by modifying the parameters of the device 1, for example via specific software executed by the computer.

[0071] The connection means 18 also make it possible to recharge an electrical power source 15 of the device 1. This electrical power source, housed in the housing 10 of the device 1, is in the form of a battery 15 which can be recharged by means of an electrical charger 181 or a docking station 3 (visible in [Fig.5]).

[0072] Such a battery 15 has sufficient autonomy to allow between 800 and 1000 measurement cycles to be carried out, i.e. the equivalent of approximately one day of use of the device.

[0073] This battery 15 is housed in the casing 10 of the device 1 and is connected to the motherboard 190 and makes it possible to power the electrical elements of the device 1. This battery 15 can be recharged by means of a charger 181 or the docking station 3. To do this, the charger 181, or the docking station 3, connects to the device I via the connection means 18.

[0074] The device 1 also comprises alert means 17, connected to the motherboard 190 and controlled by the latter, which are for example in the form of a beeper and / or one or more indicator lights. These alert means 17 can be used to give indications during the measurement (for example to indicate: the start of the measurement, that a measurement is in progress, that the measurement is finished, that the measured value is correct compared to an expected value, that the measured value is incorrect compared to an expected value, etc.) and / or to indicate a state of the device 1 (for example: the switching on of the device, the initialization of the device, the state of charge of the battery of the device, etc.).

[0075] The device 1 also comprises lighting means 16, connected to the motherboard 190 and controlled by the latter, which are for example in the form of one or more light-emitting diodes (called "LEDs"). These lighting means 16 are located at the end of the housing 10 carrying the active probe 11. In this way, the lighting means 16 make it possible to illuminate the area located opposite the active probe 11 so as to facilitate measurement taking for the operator in narrow and dark spaces. The lighting means 16 may comprise focusing means, such as a lens for example, so as to direct the light beam towards the area to be illuminated.

[0076] Other components, not illustrated, may also be integrated into the main housing 10 and be connected to the motherboard 190, such as for example: a fan, a temperature sensor, etc.

[0077] It should be noted that the main housing 10 is preferably waterproof and complies with the IP54 protection standard, thus allowing the device 1 to be used in difficult conditions, and in particular in an explosive atmosphere.

[0078] Furthermore, the motherboard 190 may have a Wi-Fi communication module and / or a Bluetooth communication module, for example, so as to facilitate data exchanges with external equipment, for example to directly transfer the measured data to a database stored in remote equipment. This thus makes it possible to directly communicate the results of the measurements to such equipment, without having to wait for the operator to leave the area.

[0079] The human-machine interface 13 may have several navigation keys or buttons which make it possible to navigate in menus displayed on the screen 131 (for example an “up” arrow and a “down” arrow), to validate a choice (validation key) and to return back (return key). The validation key may also serve as an ON / OFF switch to control the powering up of the device 1, in particular when the passive probe 2 is connected.

[0080] The human-machine interface 13 may also have a first LED (red for example) to indicate a low battery level and / or signal that the tested part is not compliant, as well as a second LED (green for example) to indicate a correct charge level of the battery and / or that a tested part is compliant.

[0081] These LEDs can also be used to indicate whether an electrical charger 181 is connected, whether charging is ineffective, whether the battery 15 is being recharged or whether it is charged, for example. They can also indicate to the user that a current injection and a measurement are in progress.

[0082] The connection means 18 of the device 1 can therefore be used both to recharge the device 1 and to exchange data with external equipment. Thus, the connection means 18 comprise a multi-point connector comprising for example: - 5 points for USB output, - 2 points for recharging battery 15, - 2 points for connecting external module 2, - 4 points to ensure the role of circuit breaker (see details below).

[0083] The connector 18 also has means for ensuring the sealing of the device 1 once the external module 2 is connected, as well as means for locking / unlocking the external module 2 to ensure that the sealing is maintained.

[0084] Furthermore, the connection means 18 are provided with a mechanism or a circuit breaker function which makes it possible to secure the powering up of the device 1. Preferably, the powering up of the device 1 must only be able to take place when the external module 2 is properly connected to the multi-point connector. To do this, the connection means implemented on the external module 2 or on the device 1 comprise two bridges which, once connected, make it possible to close the electrical circuit of device 1, thus authorizing the general switching on of device 1.

[0085] As previously indicated, the tips of the electrodes of the active 11 and passive 2 probes are interchangeable and can be chosen from different shapes or types of tips, namely standard tips, fine tips, round tips and concave tips. In addition, at least two tip lengths are proposed (for example 50 or 100 mm). These different tips, with the exception of the standard tips, can be combined by tip type and by length and therefore offer different possible combinations so as to adapt to the type of measurements desired (for example depending on the material of the part to be tested).

[0086] The electrode of each of the active and passive probes forms a head carrying the two tips. These heads are interchangeable with respect to the elongated body of the probe so as to facilitate the selection of the desired combination of tips for the measurement to be carried out.

[0087] Furthermore, the electrodes may be provided with a connector (for example jack type or bayonet type) allowing them to be changed easily and quickly while ensuring a seal when the electrodes are connected to the device 1. Preferably, the connector of the electrodes must be of good quality in order to ensure optimal and precise measurement. For example, the contacts of the connector may be of the gold-plated contact type so as to avoid any measurement defects, such as bounces during measurement. A locking system may also be implemented to ensure secure fixing of the electrode, precise measurement and satisfactory sealing.

[0088] As illustrated in [Fig.5], the portable device 1 of the invention can cooperate with a docking station 3. More specifically, the docking station 3 comprises a housing 31 and a receiving / supporting element 32 for accommodating and holding the device 1, when recharging the battery 15 for example.

[0089] The docking station 3 comprises connection means (not visible) configured to cooperate with the connection means 18 of the device 1 in order to exchange information with the device 1 (measurement results, measurement sequences, usage parameters, updating of the device, etc.) and to ensure the recharging of the battery 15 of the device 1.

[0090] The docking station 3 can integrate a power management card making it possible to manage the recharging of the battery 15 of the device 1 when the latter is housed on the docking station 3. This power management card makes it possible to recharge the device 1 even if the latter is not powered on.

[0091] The docking station 3 may also have a display screen, for example similar to that of the human-machine interface 13 of the device 1, or a series of light-emitting diodes to provide information to the operator, such as the status or charge level of the battery 15 for example.

[0092] The system 100 of the invention, comprising in particular the device 1 connected to an external module 2, is used to measure the electrical conductivity between two parts to be tested. The measurement of the conductivity is based on the principle of 4-wire measurement, or Kelvin method which makes it possible to overcome the error caused by a voltage drop in the cables due to the passage of the test current. This principle consists of using two cables for the passage of the current, replaced here by a first tip of the active probe 11 and a first tip of the passive probe 2, and two other cables for measuring the voltage at the level of the part to be tested, replaced here by a second tip of the active probe 11 and a second tip of the passive probe 2.

[0093] In the context of the invention, a low current (from 10 to 100 mA DC) is injected into the part to be tested. The injection of the current can be done automatically as soon as the active probe 11 and passive probe 2 are in contact with the conductive surface of the part to be tested. An audible and / or luminous signal can be emitted by the device 1 during the injection of the current and the measurement, for example.

[0094] The device 1 is capable of determining the electrical resistance of the tested part from the injected current and the measured voltage so as to deduce the electrical conductivity of the tested part. The human-machine interface 13 then indicates the value of the measured electrical resistance and whether the part is compliant or not, according to a predetermined rejection value. The measurement stops either when the contact of one or more tips of one of the probes with the conductive surface is broken or automatically at the end of a predetermined test cycle time.

[0095] It should be noted that the predetermined rejection value can be set by the operator, directly on the device 1 via the human-machine interface 13. This rejection value makes it possible to determine the thresholds from which a tested part is considered compliant or not. The predetermined rejection value can also be set during data transfer, via the docking station 3 or the data transfer cable.

[0096] The device 1 may also include a self-test function intended to verify the value of the injected test current. To do this, the device 1 includes an internal precision resistor.

[0097] The device 1 may also include a false measurement detection function making it possible to signal to the operator any incorrect values ​​recorded by the device 1, for example in the case of untimely breaks in the contact of one or other of the probes 11, 2 (bouncing of the contacts / tips, too little pressure on the tips, etc.).

[0098] The device 1 may also comprise means for storing the results of the measurements carried out, for example in the form of a memory of the type FIFO (First In First Out). This memory allows a certain number of measurements to be automatically saved, for example the last 1000, and ensures that the results are stored even when the battery 15 of the device 1 is exhausted. The results resulting from a measurement fault as described above are preferably not saved.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (1) for measuring electrical conductivity between two elements for the aeronautical field, said device being intended to be connected to an external module (2) and comprising: - an active probe (11) including an electrode (111); - a human-machine interface (13); - gripping means (14); said device (1) comprising a main housing (10) integrating at least in part said active probe (11), said human-machine interface (13) and said gripping means (14), characterized in that said electrode (11) comprises two touch tips (11a, 111b), intended respectively for the passage of current and for the measurement of voltage, one of the tips having a length greater than the other and being movable.

2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises an electrical power source (15), arranged in said main housing (10).

3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said active probe (11) comprises: - an elongated body (112) carrying said electrode (111); - a measurement card (113).

4. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said elongated body (112) comprises a tube and / or a rod.

5. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises lighting means (16).

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two of the following elements of said device (1) are aligned: said gripping means (14), said man-machine interface (13), the active probe (11).

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said gripping means (14) have a beveled end (142).

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more parts of said active probe (11) are removable.

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said main housing (10) comprises means connection (18) of said device (1) to said external module (2).

10. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said connection means (18) are located at the level of the gripping means (14).

11. Device (1) according to one of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the gripping means (14) extend at least partly between said connection means (18) and said human-machine interface (13).

12. System (100) for measuring electrical conductivity between two elements for the aeronautical field, said system (100) comprising a device (1) for measuring electrical conductivity according to one of claims 1 to 11 and a passive probe (2) connected to said device (1) when taking a measurement.

13. System (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises connection means (18) of an external module, said external module belonging to the group comprising: - a passive probe (2); - a four-wire probe; - a Kelvin probe; - a data transfer cable (182); - a docking station (3); - an electric charger (181); - an external electric battery.

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