Tool and method for endoscopic inspection of a manifold housing of an aircraft turbine engine

Abstract

The present invention discloses a positioning tool (22) for an endoscopic inspection device for inspecting a manifold housing (12) of an aircraft turbine engine (10), the manifold housing comprising an annular wall (14) having an axis of rotation A, the annular wall comprising a through hole (16) and surrounded by an annular manifold (18), the annular manifold comprising at least one gas port (20a, 20b) which opens into an annular groove (21) defined between the manifold and the wall, characterized in that the tool comprises: a centering device (24) The centering device is configured to engage in a port and includes a distal end (24a) and a proximal end (24b), the distal end being configured to abut against a wall and the proximal end being configured to be securely held on an opening (26) of the port, and at least one shielding member (28a, 28b, 28c), the shielding member being configured to engage in the port and be positioned and fixed on the centering device, the shielding member including an endoscopic inspection window (30, 30', 30") for inspecting an area to be inspected (Z) within the port and / or the groove.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool and a method for endoscopic inspection of a manifold casing of an aircraft turbine engine. Background Art

[0002] The prior art includes in particular documents EP-A1-2 818 908, US-A1-2017 / 276616 and WO-A1-2013 / 116078.

[0003] The service life of certain parts or modules of aircraft turbine engines is estimated in terms of the number of operating cycles, and these parts or modules must be inspected regularly to check the condition of these parts or modules. For example, a part may be inspected every 2000 operating cycles, and this is called a 2000 cycle inspection interval.

[0004] The components can be inspected directly on the engine or after removal from the engine. It is obviously more advantageous and especially more economical to inspect the components directly on the engine and to have the largest possible recheck intervals for the components. Traditionally, the inspection of internal components directly on the engine is carried out by endoscopic inspection. For example, the housing or the equipment of the engine is inspected by other methods (US, eddy current, visual inspection, etc.).

[0005] Figure 1 An aircraft turbine engine 10 is shown; and the location of the manifold housing 12, which is located at Figure 2 is shown in larger scale and in Figures 3 to 5 is shown in more detail in .

[0006] The casing 12 is generally annular in shape and is generally positioned between the low-pressure compressor and the high-pressure compressor of the turbine engine 10. The casing 12 is used to remove compressed air to deliver the compressed air to other locations in the turbine engine. The casing includes an annular wall 14, which includes a through hole 16 and is surrounded by an annular manifold 18, which includes gas passage ports 20a, 20b, which pass into an annular cavity 21 defined between the manifold 18 and the annular wall 14. The ports 20a, 20b extend generally radially outward relative to the rotation axis A of the annular wall 14 and the casing 12, and may have an inclined orientation relative to a radius to the axis A. The ports 20a, 20b may have different shapes and sizes.

[0007] This type of manifold housing 12 needs to be inspected, and key components of the manifold housing include in particular the ports 20a, 20b, and in particular the joints between the ports 20a, 20b and the annular manifold 18. Endoscopic inspection of the housing is advantageous to avoid removal of the turbine engine. However, there are currently no tools dedicated to such inspections to ensure optimal and repeatable quality inspections. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention provides a solution to the above needs which is simple, effective and economical.

[0009] The invention therefore proposes a positioning tool for an endoscopic inspection device for inspecting a manifold housing of an aircraft turbine engine, the manifold housing comprising an annular wall with an axis of rotation A, the annular wall comprising a through hole and surrounded by an annular manifold, the annular manifold comprising at least one gas passage port opening into an annular cavity defined between the manifold and said annular wall, characterised in that the tool comprises:

[0010] a centering device configured to engage in said port and comprising a distal end configured to abut against said annular wall and a proximal end configured to remain firmly on the opening of said port, and

[0011] - At least one shield configured to engage in said port and positioned and fastened on said centering device, said shield comprising a window for endoscopic inspection of said port and / or of an area to be inspected within said cavity.

[0012] The purpose of this tool is to enable the operator to reliably and repeatably locate possible defects during endoscopic inspections to increase re-inspection intervals, since, depending on the size and location of the defect, the engine can be removed more or less quickly to perform a more thorough inspection during a workshop visit.

[0013] The tool according to the invention may include one or more of the following features and / or steps, which may be employed independently of one another or in combination with one another:

[0014] - the centering device comprises a bearing pad at its distal end, preferably made of plastic material or aluminum,

[0015] - said centering device comprises, at its proximal end, a ring for fastening to the opening of the port,

[0016] - the bearing pad and the ring are connected together by at least one rod, preferably the rod is curved,

[0017] - the tool comprises a collar for fastening the ring to the port opening,

[0018] - the ring comprises at least one surface for abutting and positioning the shield,

[0019] - the ring comprises an inner cylindrical surface and a radial surface for abutting and positioning the shield,

[0020] - the ring comprises at least one guide pin configured to cooperate with a slot or a hole of the shield,

[0021] - the shield carries elements for fastening to the centering device,

[0022] - the shield includes a handle,

[0023] - the shield comprises at least one surface intended to abut against the centering device,

[0024] - the shield comprises an outer cylindrical surface and a radial surface for abutting against the centering device,

[0025] - the shield is formed from a stamped and perforated sheet metal of said window; alternatively, the shield is formed by additive manufacturing,

[0026] - the metal sheet is folded at the junction between the cylindrical portion and the flat portion, the window being located at least at this junction,

[0027] The tool comprises at least two shields, and preferably three shields, each of which is successively engageable in a port and which have windows of different sizes and / or positions.

[0028] The invention also relates to a method for endoscopic inspection of a manifold housing of an aircraft turbine engine, the manifold housing comprising an annular wall having an axis of rotation A, the annular wall comprising a through hole and surrounded by an annular manifold, the annular manifold comprising at least one gas passage port opening into an annular cavity defined between the manifold and the annular wall, characterized in that the method is implemented by means of a tool as described above and comprises the following steps:

[0029] - engaging a centering device of a tool in said port and bringing its distal end against said annular wall,

[0030] - fasten the proximal end of the centering device to the opening of the port,

[0031] - engaging the shield in the port and fastening the shield to the centering device, and

[0032] - endoscopic inspection of said area through the window of the shield,

[0033] The method may further comprise the following consecutive and possibly repeated steps:

[0034] - dismantling and removing the shield,

[0035] - engaging the other shield in the port and fastening the other shield to the centering device, and

[0036] - Endoscopically inspecting the area through the window of the further shield.

[0037] The invention also relates to a kit comprising the above-mentioned tool, ie the centering device and the shield, but also comprising a further shield and for example two further shields, the shields of the kit having windows of different sizes and / or positions.

[0038] The invention further relates to an endoscopic tool comprising a positioning tool or a kit as described above, and an endoscopic examination device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The invention will be better understood and other details, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] - Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an aircraft turbine engine as seen from downstream and from the side;

[0041] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a manifold housing of a turbine engine;

[0042] - Figure 3 is another schematic perspective view of a manifold housing; and Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the manifold housing;

[0043] - Figure 6 is a partial schematic perspective view of a manifold housing equipped with a tool according to the present invention;

[0044] - Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of a centering device for a tool;

[0045] - Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of a fastening collar of a tool;

[0046] - Figure 9a yes Figure 6A schematic perspective view of a shield of a tool;

[0047] - Figure 9b and Fig.9c The view is similar to Figure 9a and showing other shields that may belong to the same tool or kit; and

[0048] - Fig.10 The view is similar to Figure 6 The view is similar to that of and shows the endoscopic clearance of the manifold housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] As described above Figures 1 to 5 .

[0050] Now refer to Figures 6 to 10 , Figures 6 to 10 An embodiment of a tool 22 for endoscopic inspection of a manifold housing 12 according to the present invention is shown.

[0051] Tool 22 includes:

[0052] a centering device 24 configured to engage in the port 20a, 20b to be checked and comprising a distal end 24a configured to abut against the annular wall 14 and a proximal end 24b configured to remain firmly on the radially outer opening 26 of the port 20a, 20b, and

[0053] - at least one shield 28a, 28b, 28c, which is configured to engage in the ports 20a, 20b and is positioned and fastened on the centering device 24, and includes a window 30 for endoscopic inspection of the ports 20a, 20b and / or the area to be inspected 32 within the cavity 21.

[0054] Centering device 24 such as Figure 7 The distal end 24a of the centering device comprises a bearing pad 34 for abutting against the annular wall 14. In the example shown, the bearing pad 34 generally has a substantially parallelepiped shape, comprising a flat or slightly concave curved lower surface 34a intended to abut against the annular wall 14 so as to facilitate positioning of the centering device 24 in the ports 20a, 20b. Preferably, the bearing pad 34 is made of a plastic material so as not to damage the annular wall 14 and the ports 20a, 20b when the centering device 24 is installed, and the housing 12 is generally made of a metal alloy.

[0055] The support pad 34 comprises an upper surface 34b, which is used to connect the support pad to the proximal end of the centering device 24, where the connection is achieved by a rod 36. The number of rods 36 is two, although this number is not restrictive. The rod generally has an elongated cylindrical shape and is also curved. The angled shape of the rod 36 can follow the shape and orientation of the ports 20a, 20b, which are inclined relative to the radius of the rotation axis of the annular wall 14, as described above. This makes it easier for the endoscopic inspection device and the shield 28a, 28b, 28c to pass. Therefore, each rod 36 comprises two longitudinal parts inclined relative to each other, a first part 36a extending radially outward from the support pad 34 and the surface 34b of the support pad according to the normal of the annular wall 14, and a second part 36b extending between the radially outer end of the part 36a and the proximal end 24b of the centering device 24. Portion 36a is positioned in cavity 21 and portion 36b is positioned in ports 20a, 20b.

[0056] The proximal end 24b of the centering device 24 comprises a ring 37 for fastening to the opening 26 of the port 20a. In the example shown, the opening 26 is generally annular in shape and comprises an outer peripheral edge 42 for supporting and fastening the ring 37, such as Fig.10 This is clearly shown in the cross-sectional view.

[0057] In the example shown, the ring 37 comprises a cylindrical edge 38 oriented towards the distal end 24a and intended to be slidably engaged in the opening 26 of the ports 20a, 20b to center the centering device 24 in the opening. The ring 37 further comprises an outer annular flange 40 applied to the peripheral edge 42 of the opening 26 along the direction of engagement of the centering device in the port and by means of Figure 8 A fastening collar 44 , shown separately in FIG. 4 , is fastened to this edge.

[0058] This fastening collar 44 is of conventional type and comprises a hoop in two segments 44a, 44b, hinged at one of the segments' ends 44c and fastened at the other segment's end 44d by a screw and nut system 46. The clamping collar 44 is mounted around the edge 42 and the flange 40 and clamps them in the above-mentioned direction.

[0059] like Figure 7As shown, the ring 37 comprises an inner cylindrical surface 37a and a radial annular surface 37b located on the side opposite to the distal end. "Radial" here refers to the axis of rotation of the ring 37. The surfaces 37a, 37b are connected to each other, and the radial surface 37b comprises a protruding guide pin 48 for guiding the shield 28. The surface 37b also comprises a threaded hole 50, which is two in number here and is arranged on both sides of the guide pin 48.

[0060] Figures 9a to 9c Shields 28a, 28b, 28c are shown which may be used in conjunction with the same centering device 24 described above. Figure 9a The description of the first shielding member 28a in Figure 9b and Fig.9c The shielding members 28b, 28c are provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] In the example shown, the shield 28a is made of stamped and folded sheet metal, although this is not restrictive. Sheet metal can also be made by additive manufacturing. At the proximal end of the shield, the shield 28a includes a tab or handle 52 for grasping and manipulating the shield. At the same end, the shield also includes an element 54 for fastening to the centering device 24, where there are two of these elements and the element is intended to cooperate with the hole 50 of the centering device. These fastening elements 54 can be screws securely mounted on the shield 28a, these screws have heads 54a accessible to the operator, and can be driven manually by the operator in an ideal situation without any specific tools.

[0062] These fastening elements 54 are positioned on a flat wall 56a of the shield 28a, which is intended to bear against the radial surface 37b and comprises a groove 58 for engaging and sliding the guide pin 48, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 This flat wall 56a is connected to the handle 52 and to the cylindrical wall 56b of the shield 28a. The cylindrical wall 56b is intended to abut against the cylindrical surface 37a of the centering device 24, as shown. Fig.10 shown.

[0063] The distal end of the shield 28a is shaped to conform to the annular wall 18a of the manifold 18 and is connected to the cylindrical wall 56b by a ligne or fold 56c of the shield 28a. The expression "ligne" or "fold" also covers the case where the shield is not obtained by stamping. This fold 56c is intended to be positioned at the radially inner end of the ports 20a, 20b, at the junction of the ports with the manifold 18.

[0064] Figure 9a and Fig.10The distal end of the shield is shown to include a generally flat wall 56d, which is intended to be pressed against the annular wall 18a. This wall 56d is connected to a lower edge 56e, which itself is intended to be pressed against the annular wall 14. In practice, there may be a slight gap to accommodate manufacturing tolerances. The wall 56d is further connected to a reinforcing side edge 56f.

[0065] The critical area of ​​the housing 12, and in particular the critical area of ​​the manifold 18, is located at the ports 20a, 20b thereof, and in particular at the junction of the ports with the rest of the manifold. Fig.10 In fact, cracks or fissures are likely to occur in this area Z, which may reduce the service life of the housing 12.

[0066] Thus, the shield 28a includes a window 30 for endoscopic inspection of the zone Z. In other words, an endoscopic inspection device, such as an endoscope 60, is engaged by the operator through the ring 37 in the ports 20a, 20b so that the distal end of the endoscope is positioned at the window 30. The endoscope 60 can be used to perform penetrant inspection operations in the zone Z and includes an optical system for observing the zone Z.

[0067] The shield 28a is first engaged in the ports 20a, 20b by passing through the ring 37. The wall 56a of the shield is applied to the radial surface 37b of the ring 37. To this end, the guide pin 48 of the centering device must be engaged in the groove 58 of the centering device. The shield is then moved on the surface 37b so that the guide pin 48 is engaged in the longitudinal end of the groove 58. This enables the wall 56b of the shield to abut against the surface 37a of the centering device. In this position, the shield is in its final position and the wall 56d of the shield and the edge 56e of the shield should be correctly positioned in the cavity 21. The shield can then be fixed in this position by screwing the element 54 into the hole 50 of the centering device 24.

[0068] The invention proposes to combine a plurality of shields 28a, 28b, 28c with a single centering device 24, thus forming a kit that can be stored in a carrying case. The centering device 24 is then universal and enables the same reference position to be defined for the shields. Each shield is selected according to the area to be inspected or the progress of the inspection. In the example shown, three shields are used consecutively during the same inspection operation.

[0069] Figure 9a The first shield 28a is used first and has a large window 30, which extends roughly across the entire range of the wall 56d, between the edge 56e and the fold 56c, and between the edge 56f. This window 30 can be used to project the permeation product onto the zone Z through the endoscope 60.

[0070] Figure 9b The shield 28b serves as a second shield after disassembly and removal of the shield 28a, and includes a smaller window 30' positioned at the folded portion 56c.

[0071] Fig.9c Shield 28c is used last after disassembly and removal of shield 28b and includes an even smaller window 30" positioned at fold 56c.

[0072] Windows 30', 30" are used to view the area through endoscope 60. Window 30' can be used to locate an intermediate area for locating any defects, and window 30" can be used to locate a critical area for locating such defects.

[0073] Since the ports 20a, 20b may have different shapes and sizes from each other, each tool or kit may be specific to the inspection of a port. The inspection of the ports 20a, 20b would then require two kits, each of the two kits comprising a centering device and at least three shields, or a single kit comprising a first centering device and at least three shields, and a second centering device and at least three additional shields.

Claims

1. A positioning tool (22) for an endoscopic inspection device for inspecting a manifold housing (12) of an aircraft turbine engine (10), the manifold housing comprising an annular wall (14) having an axis of rotation A, the annular wall comprising a through hole (16) and surrounded by an annular manifold (18), the annular manifold comprising at least one gas passage port (20a, 20b), the at least one gas passage port opening into an annular cavity (21) defined between the annular manifold and the annular wall, characterized in that The positioning tool comprises: a centering device (24) configured to engage in the gas channel port along an engagement direction and comprising: a distal end portion (24a) comprising a bearing pad (34) configured to abut against the annular wall along the engagement direction, and a proximal end (24b) configured to be securely retained on the opening (26) of the gas passage port, and - at least one shield (28a, 28b, 28c) configured to engage in the gas passage port and to be positioned and fastened on the proximal end of the centering device, the shield comprising a window (30, 30', 30") for endoscopic inspection of the gas passage port and / or the area (Z) to be inspected within the annular cavity.

2. The positioning tool (22) according to claim 1, wherein: The centering device (24) comprises a ring (37) at a proximal end of the centering device for fastening to the opening (26) of the gas passage port (20a, 20b).

3. The positioning tool (22) according to claim 2, wherein: The bearing pad (34) and the ring (37) are connected together by at least one rod (36).

4. The positioning tool (22) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The ring (37) comprises at least one surface (37a, 37b) for abutting and positioning the shield (28a, 28b, 28c).

5. The positioning tool (22) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein: The ring (37) includes at least one guide pin (48) configured to cooperate with a slot or hole of the shield (28a, 28b, 28c).

6. The positioning tool (22) according to claim 5, wherein: The ring (37) comprises an inner cylindrical surface (37a) and a radial surface (37b) for abutting and positioning the shield (28a, 28b, 28c).

7. The positioning tool (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The shield (28a, 28b, 28c) carries an element (54) for fastening to the centering device (24).

8. The positioning tool (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The positioning tool comprises at least two shields, each of which is capable of being continuously engaged in the gas passage port (20a, 20b) and has windows (30, 30', 30") of different sizes and / or positions.

9. The positioning tool (22) according to claim 3, wherein: The rod is curved.

10. The positioning tool (22) according to claim 8, wherein: The positioning tool comprises three shielding members (28a, 28b, 28c).

11. A method for endoscopic inspection of a manifold housing (12) of an aircraft turbine engine (10), the manifold housing comprising an annular wall (14) having an axis of rotation A, the annular wall comprising a through hole (16) and surrounded by an annular manifold (18), the annular manifold comprising at least one gas passage port (20a, 20b) opening into an annular cavity (21) defined between the annular manifold and the annular wall, characterized in that The method is implemented by a positioning tool (22) according to any one of the preceding claims and comprises the following steps: - engaging the centering device (24) of the positioning tool in the gas channel port and bringing the distal end (24a) of the centering device against the annular wall, - fastening the proximal end (24b) of the centering device to the opening (26) of the gas passage port, - engaging the shield (28a) in the gas passage port and fastening it to the centering device, and - endoscopic inspection of said zone (Z) through said window (30) of said shield, The method further comprises the following consecutive steps: - dismantling and removing the shield (28a), - engaging a further shield (28b, 28c) in the gas passage port and fastening the further shield to the centering device, and - Endoscopic inspection of said area through the window (30', 30") of said other shield.

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