Guiding device and method for filling a double-wall pipe with a granular material for the bending thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a guiding device for filling a pipe (C) with a granular material in order to enable the bending thereof, the guiding device (1) comprising: a funnel (2) configured to be mounted on the first end (TE1) of the outer tube (TE); a shield member (4) configured to co-operate with an outer surface (SIe) of the inner tube (TI); a distribution member (3) configured to be mounted in the buffer volume (VT), the distribution member (3) comprising: an inner wall (31) rigidly attached to the shield member (4), an outer wall (32) rigidly attached to the funnel (2) and a plurality of linking arms (33) extending between the inner wall (31) and the outer wall (32), which linking arms define therebetween a plurality of flow passages (5) in order to homogeneously distribute the granular material during the filling process.

Description

Guiding device and method for filling a double-walled pipeline with granular material for bending

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of pipes intended to be mounted in a fluid circuit of an aircraft, for example, in a fuel circuit. More specifically, the invention relates to a guiding device and a method for filling a double-walled pipe with a granular material with a view to bending it.

[0002] In an aircraft, a fluid circuit comprises a plurality of pipes mechanically and fluidically connected to each other. In a known manner, each pipe comprises an inner tube and an outer tube, for transporting fluids. Such a pipe is commonly referred to as a "double-walled pipe". A double-walled pipe makes it possible, for example, to limit fuel leaks in the event of damage to the inner tube, particularly in risk areas such as a hot zone for fuel or liquid leaks in areas containing electrical devices, for example.

[0003] When circulating the fluid in the fluid circuit, each pipe is pressurized, causing radial and longitudinal forces to appear. In addition, there may be areas with a temperature differential between the exterior, and therefore the outer tube, and the fluid circulating in the inner tube, also causing forces to appear. Also, it is necessary to maintain a regular spacing between the inner tube and the outer tube to allow the inner tube to expand without risking damage.

[0004] When assembling a fluid circuit, the pipes each have a predetermined profile to follow, for example, the curvatures of the aircraft structure or to bypass equipment. To achieve this, each pipe can be curved locally; this is called bending.

[0005] To bend a double-walled pipe, both pipes must be shaped at the same time and positioned precisely relative to each other. This allows for a predefined, regular spacing to be maintained between the walls of the inner pipe and the walls of the outer pipe along the entire length of the pipes.

[0006] In the prior art, it is known to insert a flexible sleeve into the space between the inner tube and the outer tube in order to transmit the bending forces from the outer tube to the inner tube during bending. However, such a sleeve cannot be removed after bending and remains in place after the fluid circuit is mounted on the aircraft, significantly increasing the mass of the fluid circuit, which is not desirable in an aeronautical environment in which mass constraints are significant. In addition, the flexible sleeve occupies the space between the inner tube and the outer tube which is intended to collect any fuel leaks.

[0007] Also known from document US2010018599A1 is a method for manufacturing a double-walled pipe, in which a filler material, for example corundum, is introduced between the inner tube and the outer tube to temporarily fill the space between the tubes during the bending operation and allow them to be shaped. The filler material is then removed after bending in a convenient manner.

[0008] In this document, as shown in the, a funnel 100 is positioned, on the one hand, at the end of the outer tube TE and a plug 101 is positioned, on the other hand, at the end of the inner tube TI to close it. This makes it possible to delimit, between the funnel 100 and the plug 101, a guide space for the insertion of the filling material to fill the volume V between the inner tube TI and the outer tube TE.

[0009] First of all, the insertion of a plug 101 into the inner tube TI induces contacts with the inner wall of the inner tube TI, which must be avoided so as not to form weak points likely to be accentuated by the circulation of liquid in the inner tube TI.

[0010] In addition, the cap 101 and the funnel 100 are positioned independently, which is inconvenient. Furthermore, during filling, the filling material may be distributed unevenly in the volume V and cause the inner tube TI to tilt relative to the outer tube TE. An offset positioning of the inner tube relative to the outer tube is undesirable because it may cause bending defects.

[0011] The invention thus aims to eliminate at least some of these drawbacks by proposing a system for bending a double-walled pipe that is simple and reliable, while ensuring that the mass of the fluid circuit is limited. The system according to the invention aims in particular at a system making it possible to ensure the uniform insertion of a filling material for bending the double-walled pipe by ensuring a regular spacing between the two tubes.

[0012] Known in the prior art is patent application JP2001105039A which teaches a vibrating system for filling a space in a double-skinned pipe for bending. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The invention relates to a guide device for filling a pipe with a granular material in order to allow it to be bent, the pipe being configured to be mounted in a fluid circuit of an aircraft, the pipe comprising an outer tube and an inner tube mounted in the outer tube, a buffer volume being defined between the outer tube and the inner tube, each tube extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a first end and a second end, the guide device comprising: a funnel configured to be mounted on the first end of the outer tube, a protection member configured to cooperate with an outer surface of the inner tube, a distribution member, configured to be mounted in the buffer volume, the distribution member comprising: an inner wall, configured to cooperate with the outer surface of the inner tube, which is integral with the protection member,an outer wall, configured to cooperate with an inner surface of the outer tube, which is integral with the funnel, and a plurality of connecting arms, extending between the inner wall and the outer wall, defining between them a plurality of passage veins in order to distribute the granular material homogeneously during filling.,

[0014] The guiding device according to the invention makes it possible to easily guide the granular material only in the buffer volume between the tubes. The distribution member inserted in the buffer volume makes it possible to maintain a uniform distance between the two tubes and thus to ensure a uniform flow of the granular material between the inner tube and the outer tube over the entire periphery of the pipeline. The protection member also makes it possible to prevent the introduction of granular material inside the inner tube, which could weaken it. Thanks to the guiding device according to the invention, the inner tube and the outer tube are correctly positioned and held in place relative to each other during the entire granular material filling operation and therefore during the bending operations.The presence of passage veins allows the introduction of the granular material to be guided by limiting contact with the inner surface of the outer tube and with the outer surface of the inner tube. This limits stresses on the pipeline and improves the distribution of the granular material. Advantageously, the guide device is never in contact with the inner surface of the inner tube, which must be protected from any physical stress.

[0015] The distribution device is integral with both the funnel and the protection device. The guidance device is therefore simple and quick to install because it does not require the installation of several independent devices.

[0016] The guide element can be easily fitted by snapping it in, which also ensures its rapid positioning.

[0017] Preferably, the inner tube and the outer tube having a cylindrical shape, the distribution member having a cylindrical shape, the distribution member is configured to cooperate with the buffer volume by complementarity of shapes. This makes it possible to ensure a homogeneous spacing in an optimal manner.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, each connecting arm having a defined thickness between the inner wall and the outer wall, all the connecting arms of the plurality of connecting arms have the same thickness. A regular spacing between the two tubes is thus ensured by the presence of the connecting arms.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the distribution member having a cylindrical shape, all of the connecting arms are distributed circumferentially in a homogeneous manner in the distribution member. Such a distribution makes it possible to ensure a distributed flow of the granular material throughout the buffer volume. The passage veins preferably have the same passage section.

[0020] Preferably, the distribution member having a length defined along the longitudinal axis, the length of the distribution member is between 10 and 50 mm. Such a length ensures that the guide device remains in position between the inner tube and the outer tube, while guaranteeing the regular spacing between the two tubes over their entire length. This also makes it possible to introduce the granular material at a distance from the first ends of the tubes and thus prevent any defect which could hinder the connection of the pipeline.

[0021] In one embodiment, the funnel having a defined length along the longitudinal axis, the protective member having a defined length along the longitudinal axis, the length of the protective member being greater than the length of the funnel, making it possible to effectively protect the inner tube while ensuring that the granular material does not insert itself into the inner tube. The protective member makes it possible to effectively protect the inner tube while allowing relative movement of the inner tube with respect to the outer tube in order to adapt to different types of pipeline. The protective member thus forms a protective jacket.

[0022] In one embodiment, the guide device comprises a plug, mounted on the protective member, so as to prevent the introduction of granular material into the inner tube.

[0023] Preferably, the number of connecting arms of the distribution member is between 2 and 12, ensuring that the distribution member maintains a regular shape even when pouring the granular material.

[0024] In one embodiment, the protective member is configured to slide on the inner tube, the protective member preferably being free of a cap. Such a feature advantageously allows the inner tube significant freedom to slide. The guide device can thus be easily placed between the two tubes which are well positioned relative to each other. In addition, the inner tube can be longer than the outer tube, as is generally necessary for bending.

[0025] The invention also relates to a system for filling a pipeline with a granular material comprising: a guide device as described previously, and an end plug configured to be mounted at the second end of the outer tube in order to close the buffer volume.

[0026] The end cap allows the buffer volume to be sealed, which can then be easily filled with granular material using the guide device.

[0027] The combination of the guide device mounted on the first end and the end cap mounted on the second end ensures regular spacing between the inner tube and the outer tube along the entire length of the pipeline.

[0028] In one embodiment, the end cap has a peripheral shape to plug the buffer volume while allowing the inner tube to slide, particularly during bending.

[0029] The invention also relates to an assembly of a pipe, comprising an outer tube and an inner tube mounted in the outer tube, and a filling system as described previously, the pipe being configured to be mounted in a fluid circuit of an aircraft, each tube extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a first end and a second end, a buffer volume being defined between the outer tube and the inner tube, the end plug being mounted at the second end of the outer tube in order to close the buffer volume, the guide device being mounted on the first end of the outer tube, the inner tube being inserted into the protection member, the distribution member being mounted in the buffer volume so as to allow the filling of the buffer volume.

[0030] The invention further relates to a method for filling a pipe with a granular material in order to allow it to be bent, the pipe being configured to be mounted in a fluid circuit of an aircraft, the pipe comprising an outer tube and an inner tube mounted in the outer tube, a buffer volume being defined between the outer tube and the inner tube, each tube extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a first end and a second end, the buffer volume being closed at the second ends of the tubes, the filling method comprising steps consisting of: Mounting the guide device as described above on the pipe, the funnel being mounted on the first end of the outer tube, the protection member cooperating with an outer surface of the inner tube, the distribution member being mounted in the buffer volume,Introduce a granular material between the funnel and the protection member, the distribution member homogeneously distributing the granular material in the buffer volume during filling.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the filling method comprises a step of mounting an end cap at the second end of the outer tube in order to seal the buffer volume.

[0032] Finally, the invention relates to a bending method comprising the steps of implementing the filling method as described previously and a step of bending the pipe, the granular material making it possible to transfer the bending forces from the outer tube to the inner tube. PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

[0033] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given by way of example, and referring to the following figures, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects.

[0034] This is a schematic representation of a system for bending a double-walled pipeline according to the prior art.

[0035] This is a schematic representation of a system for filling a double-walled pipeline according to one embodiment of the invention, the system being mounted on the pipeline.

[0036] This is a transparent view of a guide device of the filling system of the.

[0037] Laet lasont longitudinal sectional views of the filling system of the.

[0038] This is a close-up top view of the guidance device according to the invention.

[0039] This is a close-up view from below of the guidance device of the.

[0040] This is a diagram of the steps in a method of bending a double-walled pipe.

[0041] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures can of course be used to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] With reference to the, there is shown a filling system S of a pipeline C, according to an embodiment of the invention. The filling system S is configured to allow the filling of the pipeline C with a granular material M in order to allow the bending of the pipeline C.

[0043] On the, the filling system S is mounted on the pipeline C and comprises a guide device 1 and an end cap 6.

[0044] The pipe C is intended to be mounted in a fluid circuit of an aircraft, for example a fuel circuit. With reference to Figures 2 to 4, the pipe C comprises an outer tube TE and an inner tube TI, mounted in the outer tube TE. The inner tube TI and the outer tube TE are concentric and form a double-walled pipe C. Each tube TE, TI extends along a longitudinal axis Z and has a first end TE1, TI1 and a second end TE2, TI2, shown in the. In this example, the longitudinal axis Z extends from the second ends TE2, TI2 to the first ends TE1, TI1.

[0045] A buffer volume VT, shown in Figures 3 and 4, is defined between the outer tube TE and the inner tube TI. In other words, the buffer volume VT corresponds to the empty annular space between the two tubes TE, TI. The guiding device 1 according to the invention is configured to guide the granular material M into the buffer volume VT as will be described in more detail later.

[0046] In this example, the inner tube TI and the outer tube TE have a cylindrical shape. Preferably, the tubes TE, TI have the shape of a right circular cylinder, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. However, it goes without saying that the tubes TI, TE may have a different shape, for example the shape of a cylinder with a square or rectangular base.

[0047] With reference to the, the outer tube TE comprises an inner surface SEi which extends into the buffer volume VT and an outer surface SEe which extends radially outwardly to the tubes TE, TI. The inner tube TI comprises an outer surface SIe which extends into the buffer volume VT and an inner surface SIi which extends radially inwardly to the tubes TE, TI. The inner surface SIi is the one intended to come into contact with the fuel or other. It is important that this surface is protected during bending.

[0048] In other words, the buffer volume VT is defined between the outer surface SIe of the inner tube TI and the inner surface SEi of the outer tube TE. The buffer volume VT defines a radial spacing Ec (shown in Figures 3 and 5) between the inner tube TI and the outer tube TE.

[0049] With reference to the, the inner tube TI has a length LI preferably greater than the length LE of the outer tube TE, as will be described in more detail later. In this example, the inner tube TI has a diameter DI and the outer tube TE has a diameter DE, greater than the diameter DI of the inner tube TI.

[0050] With reference to figures 2 to 4, the guide device 1 is configured to be mounted at the first ends TI1, TE1 of the inner tube TI and the outer tube TE.

[0051] The guiding device 1 according to the invention comprises a funnel 2, a distribution member 3 for the granular material M and a protection member 4 for the inner tube TI.

[0052] Preferably, the guide device 1 is a single-piece device, allowing the handling of a single device, which facilitates its installation.

[0053] In this example, the guide device 1 is made of a plastic material, allowing a light and easy-to-handle guide device 1. A plastic guide device 1 can also be easily inserted between the two tubes TE, TI and slide along the inner tube TI without risking damage to the pipe C. It goes without saying that the guide device 1 could be made of a different material, in particular metal.

[0054] Funnel 2 is configured to be mounted on the first end TE1 of the outer tube TE.

[0055] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the funnel 2 has a truncated cone shape and comprises a first end 21 and a second end 22. The funnel 2 extends along the longitudinal axis Z from the first end 21 to the second end 22. The first end 21 has, in this example, a lower diameter D21 substantially similar to the diameter DE of the outer tube TE to allow its mounting. The second end 22 has a diameter D22 greater than the diameter D21 of the first end 21 to effectively guide the granular material M while facilitating its pouring into the funnel 2. In this document, the terms "lower" and "upper" are understood to be along the longitudinal axis Z which extends from the bottom to the top on the. Preferably, the lower diameter D21 is substantially equal to the diameter of the outer tube TE increased by 1 mm, so that the latter rests on the outer tube TE.

[0056] In order to be able to be mounted on the first end TE1 of the outer tube TE, the funnel 2 preferably comprises a shoulder 23, shown in FIGS. 4 and 7. The shoulder 23 is configured to abut against the first end TE1 of the outer tube TE, so as to position the funnel 2 on the pipe C in a stable manner.

[0057] With reference to Figures 4 and 6, the protective member 4 extends into the funnel 2 and is configured to extend around the inner tube TI, so as to protect it when filling the guide member 1 with the granular material M.

[0058] The protective member 4 preferably has the shape of a hollow cylinder and is configured to cooperate with the outer surface SIe of the inner tube TI, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In this example, with reference to the, the protective member 4 has a diameter D4 substantially equal to the diameter DI of the inner tube TI so as to be substantially attached to the outer surface SIe of the inner tube TI. The protective member 4 fulfills a protective jacket function with respect to the inner tube TI.

[0059] In one embodiment, the protective member 4 is configured to slide on the inner tube TI. Preferably, the protective member 4 is free of a cap. In this example, the protective member 4 is in the form of a cylinder open at both ends. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the guide device 1 comprises a cap mounted on the protective member 4 making it possible to close the inner tube TI and to prevent any pouring of granular material M inside the inner tube TI.

[0060] Still with reference to the, the protection member 4 has a length L4, defined along the longitudinal axis Z, preferably greater than the length L2 of the funnel 2 also defined along the longitudinal axis Z, so as to protect the external surface SIe of the internal tube TI effectively.

[0061] The distribution member 3 is configured to be mounted in the buffer volume VT between the inner tube TI and the outer tube TE. The distribution member 3 is configured to be mounted for example by fitting.

[0062] With reference to the, the distribution member 3 has the shape of a hollow cylinder. Preferably, the distribution member 3 has the shape of a cylinder of right circular section to cooperate by complementarity of shapes with the two tubes TI, TE, and to be able to be inserted into the buffer volume VT.

[0063] In particular, according to the invention, with reference to Figures 4 and 7, the distribution member 3 comprises an inner wall 31, configured to cooperate with the outer surface SIe of the inner tube TI, and an outer wall 32 configured to cooperate with an inner surface SEi of the outer tube TE. The inner wall 31 is integral with the protection member 4 and the outer wall 32 is integral with the funnel 2.

[0064] The distribution member 3 also comprises a plurality of connecting arms 33, extending between the inner wall 31 and the outer wall 32. The connecting arms 33 define between them a plurality of passage veins 5, also shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, in order to distribute the granular material M homogeneously in the buffer volume VT during filling, as will be described in more detail later.

[0065] The inner wall 31 being integral with the protection member 4 and the outer wall 32 being integral with the funnel 2, each passage vein 5 opens into the funnel 2, as shown in the. Thus, when filling the guide device 1, the granular material M is configured to be introduced into the funnel 2 and to pour out in a distributed manner into all the passage veins 5, as will be described in more detail later. Advantageously, under the effect of gravity and due to the presence of the passage veins 5, the contacts between the granular material M and the surfaces of the buffer volume VT are reduced.

[0066] In this example, the distribution member 3 has a length L3, defined along the longitudinal axis Z and shown in the figure, between 10 and 50 mm. Such a length L3 makes it possible to ensure that the guide device 1 remains in position between the two tubes TI, TE while guaranteeing a regular spacing Ec between the inner tube TI and the outer tube TE.

[0067] In one embodiment, each connecting arm 33 has a thickness Ep33 (shown in the) substantially equal to, preferably slightly less than, the spacing Ec between the inner tube TI and the outer tube TE. Such a thickness Ep33 makes it possible to ensure both that the inner wall 31 is substantially in contact with the outer surface SIe of the inner tube TI and that the outer wall 32 is substantially in contact with the inner surface SEi of the outer tube TE, while defining passage veins 5 large enough to allow fluid passage of the granular material M. Preferably, all the connecting arms 33 of the plurality of connecting arms 33 have the same thickness Ep33. Thus, the distribution member 3 makes it possible to ensure that the inner tube TI and the outer tube TE are correctly positioned relative to each other.

[0068] With reference to the, all of the connecting arms 33 are distributed circumferentially in a homogeneous manner in the distribution member 3. In other words, each pair of two connecting arms 33 has the same angular spacing. Such a distribution allows a distributed flow of the granular material M in the buffer volume VT.

[0069] In this example, the number of connecting arms 33 of the distribution member 3 is between 2 and 12.

[0070] The filling system S also includes an end cap 6 configured to be mounted at the second end TE2 of the outer tube TE, in order to seal the buffer volume VT.

[0071] With reference to the, the end cap 6 has a cylindrical shape and is configured to cooperate by complementarity of shapes with the buffer volume VT, so as to close it effectively.

[0072] In one embodiment, the end cap 6 comprises an annular member 61, configured to be inserted into the buffer volume VT. Preferably, the end cap 6 comprises a shoulder 62, configured to abut against the second end TE2 of the outer tube TE, so as to position the end cap 6 precisely.

[0073] In a first embodiment (shown in the), the end cap 6 has an annular shape, so as to close only the buffer volume VT. In this embodiment, the inner tube TI is configured to slide along the end cap 6, as will be described in more detail later.

[0074] In a second embodiment (not shown) the end cap 6 comprises a solid base, so as to close both the buffer volume VT and the interior of the inner tube TI.

[0075] A method for bending a pipe C will now be described, comprising the steps of a method for filling the pipe C with a granular material M, with reference to, according to an embodiment of the invention. The pipe C, called double-walled, comprises an outer tube TE and an inner tube TI, mounted inside the outer tube TE. The inner tube TI has a length LI greater than the length LE of the outer tube TE, so as to facilitate bending and to ensure that the length of the inner tube TI is identical to the length LE of the outer tube TE after bending.

[0076] In a first step E1, an end cap 6 is mounted on the second end TE2 of the outer tube TE in order to close the buffer volume VT. The assembly of the outer tube TE, the inner tube TI and the end cap 6 are then positioned so as to extend vertically along the length of the tubes TE, TI. The longitudinal axis Z extending from the bottom to the top, the second ends TE2, TI2 of the tubes TE, TI are placed in the low position and the first ends TE1, TI1 are placed in the high position.

[0077] The guiding device 1 is then mounted, in a step E2 on the first end TE1, TI1 of the tubes TE, TI. More precisely, in this step, the protection member 4 of the guiding device 1 slides on the first end TI1 of the inner tube TI. When the distribution member 3 arrives at the first end TE1 of the outer tube TE, the latter is gradually inserted into the buffer volume VT. The shoulder 23 of the funnel 2 then comes into abutment against the first end TE1 of the outer tube TE. Once in position, the funnel 2 is mounted on the first end TE1 of the outer tube TE, the protection member 4 cooperates with the outer surface SIe of the inner tube TI and the distribution member 3 is mounted in the buffer volume VT. Thanks to the distribution member 3, a regular spacing Ec between the inner tube TI and the outer tube TE is ensured.By means of both the end cap 6 and the guide device 1, the positioning of the outer tube TE and the inner tube TI relative to each other is controlled.

[0078] In a third step E3, a granular material M is introduced between the funnel 2 and the protection member 4 and slides under the effect of gravity via the passage veins 5 into the buffer volume VT. The distribution member 3 distributes, in this step, the granular material M homogeneously between the outer tube TE and the inner tube TI while limiting contact. The risk of introducing granular material M into the inner tube TI is reduced.

[0079] When the buffer volume VT is filled with granular material M up to the first end TE1 of the outer tube TE, the guide device 1 is removed by sliding the protective member 4 along the inner tube TI.

[0080] In this example, a second end cap 6 is mounted, in a fourth step E4, at the first end TE1 of the outer tube TE, so as to close the buffer volume VT filled with granular material M.

[0081] The pipe C closed at its two ends is then bent, in a step E5, the granular material M making it possible to transfer the bending forces from the outer tube TE to the inner tube TI. After bending, in a step E6, the end plugs 6 and the granular material M are removed, which makes it possible not to increase the mass of the pipe which will be introduced into a fluid circuit of an aircraft.

Claims

A guiding device (1) for filling a pipe (C) with a granular material (M) to enable its bending, the pipe (C) being configured to be mounted in a fluid circuit of an aircraft, the pipe (C) comprising an outer tube (TE) and an inner tube (TI) mounted in the outer tube (TE), a buffer volume (VT) being defined between the outer tube (TE) and the inner tube (TI), each tube (TE, TI) extending along a longitudinal axis (Z) and having a first end (TE1, TI1) and a second end (TE2, TI2), the guiding device (1) comprising: a funnel (2) configured to be mounted on the first end (TE1) of the outer tube (TE), a protective element (4) configured to cooperate with an outer surface (SEi) of the inner tube (TI), characterized in that it comprises a distribution element (3), configured to be mounted in the buffer volume (VT),the distribution element (3) comprising: an inner wall (31), configured to cooperate with the outer surface (SEi) of the inner tube (TI), which is integral with the protective element (4), an outer wall (32), configured to cooperate with an inner surface (SIe) of the outer tube (TE), which is integral with the funnel (2), and a plurality of connecting arms (33), extending between the inner wall (31) and the outer wall (32), defining between them a plurality of passage channels (5) in order to distribute the granular material (M) homogeneously during filling. Guiding device (1) according to claim 1, in which each connecting arm (33) has a defined thickness between the inner wall (31) and the outer wall (32), all connecting arms (33) of the plurality of connecting arms (33) have the same thickness. Guiding device (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, in which, the distribution member (3) having a cylindrical shape, the set of connecting arms (33) is distributed circumferentially in a homogeneous manner in the distribution member (3). Guiding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distribution member (3) has a length (L3) defined along the longitudinal axis (Z), the length (L3) of the distribution member (3) is between 10 mm and 50 mm. Guiding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the funnel (2) has a length (L2) defined along the longitudinal axis, the protective member (4) has a length (L4) defined along the longitudinal axis (Z), the length (L4) of the protective member (4) is greater than the length (L2) of the funnel (2). Guiding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the number of connecting arms (33) is between 2 and 12. Guiding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the protective member (4) is configured to slide on the inner tube (TI), the protective member (4) preferably being free of a plug. A filling system (S) for a pipeline (C) with a granular material (M) comprising: a guide device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and an end cap (6) configured to be mounted at the second end (TE2) of the outer tube (TE) in order to seal the buffer volume (VT). An assembly of a pipeline (C), comprising an outer tube (TE) and an inner tube (TI) mounted in the outer tube (TE), and a filling system (S) according to claim 8, the pipeline (C) being configured to be mounted in a fluid circuit of an aircraft, each tube (TE, TI) extending along a longitudinal axis (Z) and having a first end (TE1, TI1) and a second end (TE2, TI2), a buffer volume (VT) being defined between the outer tube (TE) and the inner tube (TI), the end cap (6) being mounted on the second end (TE2) of the outer tube (TE) in order to close the buffer volume (VT), the guide device (3) being mounted on the first end (TE1) of the outer tube (TE), the inner tube (TI) being inserted into the protective member (4), the distribution member (3) being mounted in the buffer volume (VT) so as to allow the filling of the buffer volume (VT). A method for filling a pipe (C) with a granular material (M) to enable it to be bent, the pipe (C) being configured for installation in an aircraft fluid circuit, the pipe (C) comprising an outer tube (TE) and an inner tube (TI) mounted inside the outer tube (TE), a buffer volume (VT) being defined between the outer tube (TE) and the inner tube (TI), each tube (TE, TI) extending along a longitudinal axis (Z) and having a first end (TE1, TI1) and a second end (TE2, TI2), the buffer volume (VT) being sealed at the second ends (TE2, TI2) of the tubes (TE, TI), the filling method comprising the steps of: Mounting the guiding device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 on the pipe (C), the funnel (2) being mounted on the first end (TE1) of the outer tube (TE), the protective element (4) cooperating with an outer surface (SIe) of the inner tube (TI),With the distribution element (3) mounted in the buffer volume (VT), a granular material (M) is introduced between the funnel (2) and the protective element (4). The distribution element (3) then distributes the granular material (M) homogeneously within the buffer volume (VT) during filling. Filling method according to claim 10 comprising a step of mounting an end cap (6) to the second end (TE2) of the outer tube (TE) in order to seal the buffer volume (VT). Bending method comprising the steps of implementing a filling process according to one of claims 10 and 11 and a pipe bending step (C), the granular material (M) enabling the transfer of bending forces from the outer tube (TE) to the inner tube (TI).

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