Engine protective cover for hermetically sealing engine of aircraft or spacecraft, and aircraft or spacecraft

Abstract

The invention relates to an engine protective cover for hermetically sealing an engine of an aircraft or spacecraft, and an aircraft or spacecraft. The invention relates to a protective cover for an engine, comprising an air inlet cover (1) which can be inflated to correspond to the internal dimensions of an air inlet (10) for hermetically sealing the air inlet, the air inlet cover (1) comprising an air-tightly sealable inlet opening (100), the inlet opening is used to attach or pass air drying means for drying air inside the engine. The aircraft or spacecraft comprises the engine protection covering device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an airtight engine protection covering device for an aircraft or a spacecraft. The present invention also relates to an aircraft or a spacecraft having such an engine protection covering device.

[0002] Although the present invention can be used in many different applications, the present invention and the problems involved in the present invention are explained in detail with reference to a passenger aircraft. However, the device can also be used in all sectors of different vehicles and transportation industries, for example, in road vehicles, railway vehicles, aircraft or ships. Background Art

[0003] The engines of aircraft or spacecraft must be protected against foreign object debris (FOD) and corrosion caused by high humidity, especially during daily aircraft handling operations, during short-term or long-term storage, or during the transportation of engines from the manufacturer to the aircraft builder, MRO service provider or aircraft operator. It is known to use specific covers, especially PVC tarpaulin covers or inflatable plugs, etc. to protect the engine intake or inlet and the engine exhaust or outlet. However, it is sometimes difficult to control or reduce the moisture or air humidity inside the engine using these known covers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this background situation, the basic object of the present invention is to provide an engine protection cover that is used to prevent foreign object debris or damage and to improve the possibility of controlling and reducing the air humidity inside the engine during storage. In addition, the object is to provide an engine protection cover that can be customized for different types of engines in a simple manner.

[0005] According to the present invention, this object is achieved by an engine protection covering device having the features according to the present invention and an aircraft or a spacecraft having the features according to the present invention.

[0006] Therefore, an engine protection covering device is provided, which is used to airtight seal the engine of an aircraft or a spacecraft. The engine protection covering device includes an air intake cover that can be inflated to correspond to the internal dimensions of the air intake port for airtight sealing the air intake port. The air intake cover includes an airtight sealable access opening for attaching or passing through an air drying device to dry the air inside the engine. The exact dimensions of the air intake cover can be adjusted according to the corresponding type of engine.

[0007] With the aid of such an air intake cover, the air intake of the engine can be advantageously sealed in an airtight manner, wherein a corresponding drying device can be connected to the inlet opening or can pass through the inlet opening and be inserted into the interior of the engine in order to reduce and control the air humidity inside the engine during routine aircraft handling operations or during the transportation of the engine, or during short-term or long-term storage without disassembling, moving or rotating the cover.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments and improvements will be found in the additional aspects of the present invention and in the description with reference to the drawings.

[0009] According to an embodiment, the inlet opening is hermetically sealed by means of a corresponding airtight sealing hatch cover, lid, baffle or the like during non-use. Thus, the inlet opening is advantageously sealed in an airtight manner in the non-use state by means of a closed hatch cover, for example by means of a corresponding locking device. On the other hand, in the open state of the hatch cover, the air drying device can be connected to the inlet opening or can be introduced into the interior of the engine by passing the air drying device through the inlet opening. After such a drying step, the inlet opening can be closed again in an airtight sealed manner such that the entire air intake cover seals the air intake of the engine in an airtight sealed manner.

[0010] According to another embodiment, the inlet opening comprises connection means for connecting to a drying device, in particular a drying tube of an active humidity controller or the like, wherein the connection means are designed in particular as bayonet locks or the like. Thus, in particular during long-term storage, the humidity inside the engine can be controlled by easily connecting the drying device via the inlet opening of the air intake cover without any operator effort. In addition, by using a bayonet lock, the tube of the drying device can be connected to the inlet opening in a simple and safe manner.

[0011] According to another embodiment, the air intake cover comprises an anti-friction device located near the inlet opening, in particular below the inlet opening, at the outer side of the air intake cover, which anti-friction device serves to protect the surface of the engine from damage during the corresponding drying process, wherein, for example, the anti-friction device is formed as a neoprene baffle, carpet or the like. Thus, by providing such a neoprene baffle, the surface of the engine in contact with, for example, the tube of the drying device is advantageously protected from frictional damage or the like. The neoprene baffle can be stored in a corresponding storage bag or the like which can also be part of the air intake cover during non-use.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the air intake cover includes a carrying device, in particular a net bag or the like, which is positioned behind the inlet opening at the back side of the air intake cover to carry the inserted air drying device or desiccant, such as a desiccant bag or the like. Thus, the desiccant bag is supported and stored in a predetermined position and there is no risk of damaging engine components by being pushed into the engine.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the net bag includes a continuous and durable bottom for carrying the air drying device or desiccant device without direct contact with the components of the engine. Thus, by means of this continuous and durable bottom, the desiccant bag does not damage the surfaces of these components due to direct contact with the engine components. For example, negative chemical reactions can thus be advantageously avoided.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the air intake cover includes a plurality of handles for correctly manipulating and positioning the air intake cover, wherein in particular two handles are positioned approximately at the horizontal center line in a symmetric manner with respect to each other. Thus, due to the fact that the handles are centered, the air intake cover can be advantageously positioned and press-fitted in an effective manner. Additional handles can also be provided at other positions in order to achieve a proper press-fit and positioning of the air intake cover.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the air intake cover includes at least one safety line, such as a safety pin strap or the like, for attaching the air intake cover to the outer surface of the engine, wherein the at least one safety line is stored, for example, in a corresponding retracting and / or protecting device provided at the front side of the air intake cover during non-use. Thus, when the cover is mounted on the engine, foreign object debris (FOD) on the runway can be avoided in the case of accidental deflation of the cover.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the engine protection covering device further includes an air exhaust cover, wherein the air exhaust cover includes a C-shaped duct cover, an exhaust nozzle cover and / or a nozzle end cap. Thus, the engine is also protected on the exhaust side or outlet side, such that foreign objects or moisture cannot enter the engine either from the intake side or from the exhaust side. Thus, the engine is completely covered and sealed in an advantageous manner.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the C-shaped duct cover includes two C-shaped duct cover members, which can also be inflated to correspond to the internal dimensions of the two engine C-shaped ducts respectively for airtight sealing of the two engine C-shaped ducts. The exact dimensions of the two C-shaped duct cover members can be adjusted according to the corresponding type of engine. Thus, the C-shaped duct cover is adapted to the specific shape of the C-shaped ducts while also considering the corresponding webs or protrusions between the C-shaped ducts.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the exhaust nozzle cover can also be inflated to correspond to the internal dimensions of the engine nozzle for airtight sealing of the engine nozzle. Thus, the exhaust nozzle cover can be press-fitted into the corresponding exhaust nozzle opening of the engine in an airtight manner. The exact dimensions of the exhaust nozzle cover can be adjusted according to the corresponding type of engine.

[0019] According to another embodiment, each C-shaped duct cover member and / or the exhaust nozzle cover includes one or more handles at its predetermined regions, particularly at the upper region, the region of the horizontal centerline, the lower region or similar regions. Thus, the installation handling quality of the individual covers is improved and the installation time is advantageously reduced.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the two C-shaped duct cover members are designed to be press-fitted, particularly in the upper joint region and / or the lower joint region, to provide a closed or nearly closed configuration. Thus, moisture can also be advantageously prevented from entering the interior from the outside of the engine in the region of the joint of the two C-shaped duct cover members to keep the humidity inside the engine low. Optionally, an additional moisture-proof layer is provided particularly at the lower joint of the two C-shaped duct cover members.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the nozzle end cap, preferably made of PVC material or similar material, is attached to the exhaust nozzle cover by means of one or more safety belts, particularly by two safety belts, and the one or more safety belts are approximately positioned in the horizontal centerline of the exhaust nozzle cover. In the case of two safety belts, these safety belts are advantageously positioned symmetrically with respect to each other near the horizontal centerline of the nozzle end cap to achieve optimal holding stability.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the air intake cover, the C-shaped duct cover member and / or the exhaust nozzle cover includes a valve, particularly a valve located at the corresponding front side, and a safety relief valve, particularly a safety relief valve located at the corresponding rear side. Thus, the corresponding cover cannot be filled with too high a pressure to prevent bursting or damage to engine components. In addition, the valve is positioned at a favorable location so as not to damage the components of the engine and to facilitate the operation of inflation.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the air intake cover and / or the air exhaust cover include information labels, such as information markings, warning signs, engine type-specific texts, position markings, introduction markings, etc. on the respective front sides. Thus, for example, by providing an introduction marking for the maximum allowable insertion or depth positioning of the cover to avoid damaging the engine or preventing the desiccant bag from being pushed into the engine, the maneuverability is advantageously improved.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the air intake cover and / or the air exhaust cover, particularly the C-shaped duct covering member, include one or more distance positioning indication markings, baffles, flakes, or the like, particularly one or more distance positioning indication markings, baffles, flakes, or the like located at the outer peripheral region of the respective cover. These markings advantageously improve the introduction quality of the respective cover, such that the cover is not pushed too deep into the engine, does not damage the engine, does not push the desiccant bag into the engine, and is not positioned above sensitive engine components.

[0025] Furthermore, an aircraft or a spacecraft is provided, which includes an engine protection covering device according to one or more of the above-described embodiments.

[0026] The above embodiments can be combined in any desired manner where appropriate and according to the circumstances. Other possible embodiments, improvements, and implementations of the present invention also include combinations of features of the present invention not explicitly mentioned in the foregoing or following descriptions of the embodiment examples. In this context, in particular, those skilled in the art will also add various aspects as improvement features or additional features to the corresponding basic forms of the present invention. Description of the Drawings

[0027] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the schematic diagrams of the accompanying drawings. Here:

[0028] Figure 1 A front view of an air intake cover according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0029] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The rear view of the air intake cover in

[0030] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 And Figure 2 The left side view of the air intake cover in

[0031] Figure 4 A front view of a C-shaped duct covering of an air exhaust cover according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 5shows Figure 4 a left side view of a C-shaped duct cover in Figure 4 ;

[0033] Figure 6 a front view of an exhaust nozzle cover of an air exhaust cover according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0034] Figure 7 a perspective view of an air exhaust cover installed at an air exhaust port of an engine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] The drawings are intended to deepen the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. The drawings illustrate the embodiments and are combined with the description to explain the principles and concepts of the present invention. When observing the drawings, many advantages of other embodiments and the said advantages will become apparent. The elements in the drawings are not necessarily shown in proportion to each other.

[0036] In the drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same, functionally identical, and identically acting elements, features, and components are provided with the same reference numerals. Detailed Embodiments

[0037] Figure 1 shows a front view of an air intake cover 1 of an engine protection cover device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the air intake cover 2 being installed in an intake opening of an air intake port 10 of an exemplary engine 3. The air intake cover 1 has a disk shape, particularly a circular or oval shape, which in the inflated state is adapted to the internal dimensions of the intake opening of the air intake port 10 of a specific engine 3 of an aircraft or a spacecraft so as to be press-fitted into the intake opening. The air intake cover 1 is preferably installed inside the skin area of the air intake port 10 of the engine 3. The air intake cover 1 is preferably made of PE, AST / ASA material, epoxy resin, carbon, or any other suitable material that is durable and inflatable.

[0038] As Figure 1 can be seen, the air intake cover 1 includes a plurality of handles 107, and a plurality of the handles 107 are positioned at a predetermined area of the air intake cover 1. Advantageously, at least two handles 107 are arranged approximately at the horizontal center line in a symmetric manner with respect to each other. This improves the maneuverability of the air intake cover 1. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the number and position of the handles can be different from Figure 1 the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1 .

[0039] In addition, the air intake cover 1 includes a safety wire 108 or a safety pin strip that can be attached to a corresponding attachment device of the air intake port 10. This is advantageously intended to avoid foreign object debris on the runway in the event of accidental deflation when the air intake cover 1 is installed on the engine. During periods when the air intake cover 1 is not in use, the safety wire 108 can be stored in a corresponding cavity 113 or the like.

[0040] In addition, the air intake cover 1 includes a valve 109. The valve 109 is advantageously positioned at the front side portion of the air intake cover 1 so as not to contact the surface of the engine and to provide a convenient passage to the charging pipe or the charging device. The valve 109 can be designed as a safety relief valve, or additional pressure release devices can be provided. Preferably, a pressure release threshold of about 5 psi to 7 psi, particularly about 6.5 psi, is set to protect the air intake cover 1 from bursting and to protect the contact surface of the engine 3 from damage. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this threshold can be lowered or raised and can be adjusted according to specific requirements.

[0041] In addition, the air intake cover 1 according to the present invention preferably includes a plurality of distance positioning baffles 110, for example, two distance positioning baffles 110 positioned at approximately the 4 o'clock position and the 8 o'clock position as shown in Figure 1 . These distance positioning baffles 110 indicate the correct distance from, for example, the corresponding rivet line of the air intake port 10 of the engine to meet specific engineering requirements to avoid damage to the nacelle structure due to the press-fit configuration of the air intake cover 1. For example, these baffles 110 can be constructed as velcro fasteners so that the baffles 110 can be stored in an appropriate manner when not in use.

[0042] As can also be seen in Figure 1 , the air intake cover 1 preferably includes one or more specific information labels 112. These information labels 112 give the following information: for example, regarding the orientation of the intake cover 1, i.e., which part is the top of the air intake cover 1, for example, by means of an arrow or text; regarding the engine type to cope with the use of the correct set of covers for the correct engine type due to different engine sizes; regarding specific warning signs, such as "Remove before flight", "Sensor located at the rear", "Safety pin retracted position", etc., to avoid damage to the engine or specific engine components; or regarding any other useful information.

[0043] In addition, the front side portion of the air intake cover 1 is preferably designed in a signal color, such as red, to indicate to the operator that the air intake cover 1 is not part of the engine and must be removed before using the engine.

[0044] As shown in combination Figure 1 the rear view of the air intake cover 1 in Figure 1 and the left side view of the air intake cover 1 in Figure 2 and Figure 3 In Figure 1 it can also be seen that the air intake cover 1 of the present invention includes an access opening 100 that can be hermetically sealed by a corresponding hatch cover 101. Preferably, the hatch cover 101 can be locked in a closed position by a corresponding locking device, in which the hatch cover 101 completely closes the access opening 100 in a hermetically sealed manner. The access opening 100 is, on the one hand, for attaching a tube of a corresponding drying device (not shown), for example, attaching a tube of a corresponding drying device by means of a bayonet lock or the like, so as to provide the possibility of connecting an air drying device to the access opening 100 of the air intake cover 1. For example, the air drying device can be designed as an active humidity controller that controls the humidity content inside the engine 3 during storage, especially during long-term storage.

[0045] On the other hand, the access opening 100 of the air intake cover 1 is designed to enable access to the interior of the engine for placing a specific desiccant material, especially a desiccant bag, into the interior of the engine, or for replacing the desiccant material after use without removing or moving the air intake cover 1. Therefore, the operation time is advantageously greatly shortened.

[0046] As Figure 3 shown in

[0047] preferably, a mesh bag 105 is attached to the back side of the air intake cover 1 at the position of the access opening 100 to store the desiccant bags introduced through the access opening 100. To protect the surface of specific components of the engine 3 from contact with the desiccant material, the mesh bag 105 includes a continuous and durable bottom side 106 for carrying the desiccant bags without direct contact with the components of the engine. Figure 1 For example, the access opening 100, the corresponding hatch cover 101 and / or the mesh bag 105 can be designed in a circular cross-sectional shape, an oval cross-sectional shape, a rectangular cross-sectional shape or a similar shape. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the shapes and geometries of the access opening 100, the hatch cover 101, and the mesh bag 105 and all other components can be different from Figure 1 the embodiments shown in

[0048] The air intake cover 1 preferably further includes an anti-friction device 104, which is designed, for example, as a neoprene baffle or the like, to protect the surface of the air intake seal from frictional damage by the tube of the connected air drying device. The anti-friction baffle 104 can be stored in a corresponding cavity (not shown) or the like during non-use.

[0049] As Figure 2 As can be seen, the air intake cover 1 preferably further includes an additional reinforcing layer or sheet 111 located at a predetermined position, which is used to protect the air intake cover 1 from damage when it comes into contact with engine components during the installation process. The additional sheet or reinforcing layer 111 is preferably positioned at the center of the back side of the air intake cover 1 to avoid damage caused by the inlet cone of the engine 3 during the installation process. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the additional reinforcing layer or sheet can be placed at any other suitable position on the back side of the air intake cover 1.

[0050] For the sealing process, a suitable air intake cover 1 corresponding to the specific engine type to be sealed is selected and placed in the opening of the air intake port 10 in the deflated state with the correct orientation and alignment. Then, a pump is connected to the valve 109, and the air intake cover 1 is at least partially inflated so as to press-fit the air intake cover 1 into the opening of the air intake port 10. During alignment, the distance positioning baffle 110 serves as a support to place the air intake cover 1 in the correct position along the longitudinal direction of the engine 3. To support the installation process, the operator uses the corresponding handle 107 accordingly. After installation, in the closed state of the hatch cover 101, the access opening 100 is hermetically sealed, and the air intake cover 1 hermetically seals the air intake port 10 completely. To control or reduce the moisture and humidity inside the engine 3, a desiccant bag or the like can be introduced into the net bag 105 at the interior of the engine 3 via the access opening 100. Additionally or alternatively, a corresponding air dryer, especially an active humidity controller, can be connected to the access opening 100 by means of a bayonet lock or the like through a corresponding tube or duct.

[0051] The engine protection covering device preferably further includes an air exhaust cover 2, which is used to hermetically seal the air exhaust port 11 of the engine 3 to form a completely airtight sealed engine 3 and completely prevent foreign debris. Below, the Figures 4 to 7 air exhaust cover 2 will be described in more detail.

[0052] The air exhaust cover 2 preferably has three cover components, namely, the C-shaped duct cover including two C-shaped duct cover components 20a and 20b, the exhaust nozzle cover 30, and the nozzle end cover 40. In Figure 4 the two C-shaped duct cover components 20a and 20b are illustrated in a front view, wherein, Figure 5 a left side view of the two C-shaped duct cover components 20a and 20b is illustrated. The two C-shaped duct cover components 20a and 20b can be designed as disconnected single components, or there may be specific connecting lines or baffles between the two C-shaped duct cover components 20a and 20b, for example, in their lower regions. Similar to the air intake cover 1, the two C-shaped duct cover components 20a, 20b are made of an inflatable and durable material, such as preferably PE material, AST / ASA material, epoxy resin, carbon, or any other suitable durable and inflatable material.

[0053] In addition, the two C-shaped duct cover components 20a and 20b are respectively formed with approximately semi-circular shapes of C-shaped duct sizes suitable for the corresponding engine types to be sealed. Considering the corresponding cracks or components of the C-shaped ducts of the engine 3 and their joints, to obtain suitable shapes of the two C-shaped duct cover components 20a, 20b, so as to provide a press fit into the two C-shaped ducts of the engine 3.

[0054] In addition, the two C-shaped duct cover components 20a and 20b include a plurality of handles 207, wherein at least one handle 207 is positioned around the horizontal center line, and the other handle 207 is positioned in the upper regions of each of the C-shaped duct cover components 20a and 20b, respectively, as Figure 4 shown in. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the number and position of the handles can be adjusted according to the needs of the installation operator, so that the installation can be carried out with the highest quality and time efficiency.

[0055] In addition, each of the C-shaped duct cover components 20a, 20b includes a valve 209, wherein, similar to the air intake cover 1, the valve 209 can be formed as a safety relief valve or the like. The pressure release threshold can be set to about 3 psi to 5 psi, especially about 3.5 psi. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that this threshold can vary according to specific requirements and for meeting the requirements of specific seating performance. Advantageously, the respective valves 209 are positioned at lower front side positions, such as the 5 o'clock position and the 7 o'clock position, to avoid possible surface damage to the area around the engine caused by the charging pipe or the like.

[0056] Each C-shaped duct covering member 20a, 20b also includes one or more information tags 212. In this regard, the one or more information tags 212 refer to the information tags 112 of the above-mentioned air intake cover 1, because the above statements regarding the information tags can be transferred to the current C-shaped duct covering members 20a, 20b in a similar manner.

[0057] In addition, the above-mentioned signal color red can be used for all covers of the air exhaust cover 2, that is, for the C-shaped duct covering members 20a, 20b, the exhaust nozzle cover 30, and the nozzle end cover 40. Refer again to the above description regarding the air intake cover 1.

[0058] In addition, as Figure 5 shown in the left side view in, each C-shaped duct covering member 20a and 20b includes a position mark 201, such as a position mark 201 in the form of a colored marking line, and the position mark 201 indicates the correct installation position of each C-shaped duct covering member 20a, 20b. These position marks 201 are provided, for example, on the outer periphery in the radial direction of each C-shaped duct covering member 20a, 20b.

[0059] In addition, each C-shaped duct covering member 20a, 20b includes a press-fit design, especially in the upper and lower regions at the intersection of the two C-shaped duct covering members 20a, 20b, so as to provide a closed configuration and avoid small gaps between these joint regions and the nacelle, and improve the engine preservation efficiency. Optionally, an additional moisture-proof layer can be provided, especially at the lower joint region of the two C-shaped duct covering members 20a, 20b.

[0060] Refer to Figure 6 , the exhaust nozzle cover 30 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is explained. The shape of the exhaust nozzle cover 30 is designed in an annular form and is adapted to the shape of the corresponding exhaust nozzle of a specific engine type to be sealed. The exhaust nozzle cover 30 is also made of an inflatable material and includes a valve 309, especially a valve 309 located at the front side of the exhaust nozzle cover 20. Similar to the air intake cover 1, the exhaust nozzle cover 30 is made of an inflatable and durable material, such as preferably PE material, AST / ASA material, epoxy resin, carbon, or any other suitable durable and inflatable material. In this regard, refer again to the above description regarding the air intake cover 1 and the two C-shaped duct covering members 20a, 20b.

[0061] The exhaust nozzle cover 30 also includes one or more information tags 312. Refer again to the above description regarding the information tags 112 of the air intake cover 1 and the information tags 212 of the C-shaped duct covering members 20a, 20b.

[0062] The exhaust nozzle cover 30 preferably includes a plurality of handles 307, wherein, as Figure 6 shown, two handles 307 are preferably positioned at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions to improve the installation process and the secure connection further described below.

[0063] The exhaust nozzle cover 30 also includes one or more distance positioning baffles 310, such as three positioning baffles located at the 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock, and 9 o'clock positions, to indicate the maximum allowable positioning depth of the exhaust nozzle cover 30, thereby preventing, for example, the desiccant bag from being pushed into the engine during the installation of the exhaust nozzle cover 30.

[0064] In addition, the exhaust nozzle cover 30 includes a valve 309, wherein, similar to the air intake cover 1, the valve 309 can be formed as a safety relief valve or the like. The pressure release threshold can be set to about 3 psi to 5 psi, particularly about 3.5 psi.

[0065] The air exhaust cover 2 also includes a nozzle end cap 40, which is preferably made of PVC material or a similar material. The nozzle end cap 40 is, for example, fabricated as a tarp cover to be placed on the end nozzle of the engine 3. The nozzle end cap 40 has the shape of the corresponding end nozzle of the corresponding engine 3 to be sealed.

[0066] Figure 7 An exemplary air exhaust port 11 sealed with the air exhaust cover 2 of an exemplary engine 3 is illustrated, which includes two C-shaped duct cover members 20a, 20b press-fitted into the corresponding C-shaped ducts of the engine 3, an exhaust nozzle cover 30 press-fitted into the corresponding exhaust nozzle of the engine 3, and a nozzle end cap 40 placed on the end nozzle of the corresponding engine 3.

[0067] As Figure 7 shown, the exhaust nozzle cover 30 is connected to the intermediate handles 207 of the C-shaped duct cover members 20a, 20b by means of safety belts 308 to hold the exhaust nozzle cover 30 in a stable position. The nozzle end cap 40 is similarly fixed to the exhaust nozzle cover 30 by means of at least one safety belt 308, wherein advantageously, the intermediate handle 307 of the exhaust nozzle cover 30 is used to attach the safety belt 408 of the nozzle end cap 40 to the exhaust nozzle cover 30. Preferably, for these attachments of the safety belts 308 and 408, the corresponding handles 207, 307 positioned in the corresponding horizontal centerlines serve as attachment devices for the most stable attachment.

[0068] During the installation process, two C-shaped duct covering parts 20a, 20b are placed and aligned into the corresponding C-shaped ducts of the engine 3 and are partially inflated so as to perform a press fit on the two C-shaped duct covering parts 20a, 20b and position the two C-shaped duct covering parts 20a, 20b correctly. Then, when the predetermined position is reached, the two C-shaped duct covering parts 20a, 20b are inflated to their fully extended state. Then, the same operation is performed when the exhaust nozzle cover 30 is inflated and press-fitted into the corresponding exhaust nozzle of the engine 3. Then, the safety belts 308 are attached to the corresponding handles 207 and 307 to fix the cover parts to each other. Finally, the nozzle end cover 40 is placed on the end nozzle of the engine 3 and is fixed by means of the safety belt 408 and also using the intermediate handle 307 of the exhaust nozzle cover 30.

[0069] In the foregoing detailed description, various features have been combined in one or more examples to enhance the rigor of the illustration. However, it should be clear that the above description is merely illustrative and in no way restrictive in nature. It is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents of the various features and example embodiments. Given the above description, based on the expertise of those skilled in the art, many other examples will be immediately and directly apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0070] Example embodiments have been selected and described so as to best illustrate the basic principles of the invention and its possible uses in practice. This will enable those skilled in the art to modify and use the invention and its various example embodiments in the best way for the intended purpose. In the claims and the specification, the terms "comprising" and "having" are used as neutral language concepts corresponding to the term "including". In addition, the use of the terms "a" and "an" is not intended, in principle, to exclude a plurality of features and components described in this way.

[0071] List of reference numerals

[0072] 1 Air intake cover

[0073] 2 Air exhaust cover

[0074] 3 Engine

[0075] 10 Air intake port

[0076] 11 Air exhaust port

[0077] 20a, 20b C-shaped duct covering parts

[0078] 30 Exhaust nozzle cover

[0079] 40 Nozzle end cover

[0080] 100 Inlet opening

[0081] 101 Hatch cover

[0082] 102 Passageway

[0083] 103 Connecting device

[0084] 104 Anti-friction device

[0085] 105 Carrying device

[0086] 106 Durable bottom

[0087] 107 Handle

[0088] 108 Safety line

[0089] 109 Valve

[0090] 110 Distance positioning baffle

[0091] 111 Reinforcing ply

[0092] 112 Information label

[0093] 113 Chamber

[0094] 201 Position mark

[0095] 207 Handle

[0096] 209 Valve

[0097] 212 Information label

[0098] 307 Handle

[0099] 308 Safety belt

[0100] 309 Valve

[0101] 310 Distance positioning baffle

[0102] 312 Information label

[0103] 408 Safety belt

Claims

1. An engine protection cover device for airtightly sealing an engine of an aircraft or a spacecraft, the engine protection cover device comprising an air intake cover (1), the air intake cover (1) being inflatable to an inner size corresponding to an air intake port (10) so as to airtightly seal the air intake port (10), wherein: The air intake cover (1) comprises an airtightly sealable inlet opening (100) for attaching an air drying device or for passing an air drying device through the inlet opening (100) for drying the air inside the engine.

2. The engine protection cover device according to claim 1, wherein: The access opening (100) can be hermetically sealed by means of a corresponding hermetically sealed hatch cover (101), a lid, a flap or the like.

3. The engine protection cover device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The access opening (100) comprises a connection means (103) for connecting to a tube of a drying device, in particular an active humidity controller or the like, wherein the connection means (103) is in particular designed as a bayonet lock or the like.

4. The engine protection cover device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The air intake cover (1) comprises an anti-friction device (104) located outside the air intake cover (1) near the intake opening (100), in particular below the intake opening (100), the anti-friction device (104) being used to protect the surface of the engine from damage during a corresponding drying process, wherein, for example, the anti-friction device (104) is formed as a neoprene baffle or the like.

5. The engine protection cover according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The air intake cover (1) comprises a carrying device (105), in particular a mesh bag (105) or the like, which is positioned behind the inlet opening (100) at the back side of the air intake cover (1) to carry an inserted air drying device or desiccant, such as a desiccant bag or the like.

6. The engine protection cover device according to claim 5, wherein: The mesh bag (105) includes a continuous and durable bottom (106) for carrying the air drying device or desiccant without direct contact with components of the engine.

7. The engine protection cover according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The air intake cover (1) comprises a plurality of handles (107) for correctly manipulating and positioning the air intake cover (1), wherein in particular two handles (107) are positioned symmetrically to each other approximately at a horizontal center line.

8. The engine protection cover according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The air intake cover (1) comprises at least one safety line (108), such as a safety pin strap or the like, for attaching the air intake cover (1) to the engine, wherein, in particular, the at least one safety line (108) can be stored during non-use in a corresponding stowage and / or protection device arranged at the front side of the air intake cover (1).

9. The engine protection cover according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The engine protection cover device further comprises an air exhaust cover (2), wherein the air exhaust cover (2) comprises a C-shaped duct cover (20a, 20b), an exhaust nozzle cover (30) and / or a nozzle end cap (40).

10. The engine protection cover device according to claim 9, wherein: The C-shaped duct cover (20a, 20b) comprises two C-shaped duct cover parts (20a, 20b) which can be inflated to correspond to the inner dimensions of two engine C-shaped ducts respectively, so as to airtightly seal the two engine C-shaped ducts.

11. The engine protection cover device according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein: The exhaust nozzle cover (30) is inflatable to correspond to the inner dimensions of an engine nozzle for airtightly sealing the engine nozzle.

12. The engine protection cover according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: Each C-shaped duct covering part (20a, 20b) and / or the exhaust nozzle covering piece (30) includes one or more handles (207; 307) at a predetermined area of ​​each C-shaped duct covering part (20a, 20b) and / or the exhaust nozzle covering piece (30), in particular at an upper area, in the area of ​​the horizontal center line, in a lower area or the like.

13. The engine protection cover according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein: The two C-shaped pipe covering parts (20a, 20b) are designed to have a joint press fit in the upper joint area and / or the lower joint area between the two C-shaped pipe covering parts (20a, 20b) to provide a closed configuration, wherein, optionally, an additional moisture barrier is provided, in particular at the lower joint of the two C-shaped pipe covering parts (20a, 20b).

14. The engine protection cover according to one of claims 9 to 13, wherein: The nozzle end cap (40) is made of PVC material or similar material and is attached to the exhaust nozzle cover (30) by means of at least one safety strap, in particular two safety straps (408) positioned approximately at the horizontal centerline of the nozzle end cap (40).

15. The engine protection cover according to one of claims 9 to 14, wherein: The air intake cover (1), the C-shaped duct covering part (20a, 20b) and / or the exhaust nozzle cover (30) respectively include a valve (109; 209; 309), in particular a safety pressure relief valve, at the front side of the air intake cover (1), the C-shaped duct covering part (20a, 20b) and / or the exhaust nozzle cover (30).

16. The engine protection cover according to one of claims 9 to 15, wherein: The air intake cover (1) and / or the air exhaust cover (2) comprises an information label (112; 212; 312), in particular a warning sign, an engine type label, a position marking, an introduction marking or the like, on the respective front side.

17. The engine protection cover according to one of claims 9 to 16, wherein: The air intake cover (1) and / or the air exhaust cover (2), in particular the exhaust nozzle cover (30), comprises one or more distance positioning indicator marks or baffles (110; 310), for example, one or more distance positioning indicator marks or baffles (110; 310) approximately positioned at the peripheral area of ​​the air intake cover (1) and / or the air exhaust cover (2), in particular the exhaust nozzle cover (30).

18. The engine protection cover according to one of claims 9 to 17, wherein: The air intake cover (1) and / or the air exhaust cover (2) respectively include at least one additional reinforcement layer (111), sheet or material or the like at a predetermined position of the air intake cover (1) and / or the air exhaust cover (2) on the back side to protect the corresponding cover from damage during contact with engine components.

19. An aircraft or spacecraft comprising an engine protection cover according to one of claims 1 to 18.

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