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

Domaine technique

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of piping intended for installation in an aircraft fluid circuit, 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 for the purpose of bending it.

[0002] In an aircraft, a fluid circuit comprises a series of pipes connected both mechanically and fluidically. Typically, each pipe consists of an inner and an outer tube for transporting fluids. Such a pipe is commonly referred to as a "double-walled pipe." A double-walled pipe helps, for example, to limit fuel leaks in the event of damage to the inner tube, particularly in high-risk areas such as fuel hot zones, or to prevent fluid leaks in areas containing electrical equipment.

[0003] When fluid is circulated through the fluid circuit, each pipe is pressurized, resulting in radial and longitudinal stresses. Furthermore, there may be areas with a temperature difference between the outside (and therefore the outer pipe) and the fluid circulating in the inner pipe, which also creates stresses. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a consistent gap between the inner and outer pipes to allow for the expansion of the inner pipe without risking damage.

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

[0005] To allow for bending a double-walled pipe, both tubes must be shaped simultaneously and precisely positioned relative to each other. This ensures a consistent, predetermined gap between the inner and outer tube walls along the entire length of the pipes.

[0006] In the prior art, it is known to insert a flexible sleeve in the space between the inner and outer tubes 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 undesirable in an aeronautical environment where mass constraints are critical. Furthermore, the flexible sleeve occupies the space between the inner and outer tubes intended to collect any fuel leaks.

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

[0008] In this document, as shown on the [ Fig.1 A funnel 100 is positioned, on one side, at the end of the outer tube TE, and a plug 101 is positioned, on the other side, at the end of the inner tube TI to seal it. This creates a guide space between the funnel 100 and the plug 101 for inserting the filling material to fill the volume V between the inner tube TI and the outer tube TE.

[0009] First, the insertion of a 101 plug into the inner tube TI induces contact with the inner wall of the inner tube TI, which must be avoided to prevent the formation of weak points that could be accentuated by the circulation of liquid in the inner tube TI.

[0010] Furthermore, the cap 101 and the funnel 100 are positioned independently, which is inconvenient. In addition, during filling, the filling material can distribute unevenly within the volume V, causing 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 can lead to bending defects.

[0011] The invention aims to eliminate at least some of these drawbacks by providing a simple and reliable system for bending a double-walled pipe, while also minimizing the mass of the fluid circuit. In particular, the system according to the invention aims to ensure the uniform insertion of a filler material for bending the double-walled pipe, maintaining a consistent gap between the two tubes.

[0012] We know in the prior art of patent application JP2001105039A which teaches a vibrating system for filling a space in a double-walled pipe for the purpose of bending it. PRESENTATION DE L'INVENTION

[0013] The invention relates to a guiding device for filling a pipe with a granular material to allow it to be bent, the pipe being configured to be mounted in an aircraft fluid circuit, the pipe comprising an outer tube and an inner tube mounted inside the outer tube, a buffer volume being defined between the outer tube and the inner tube, each tube extending along a longitudinal axis and having a first end and a second end, the guiding device comprising: a funnel configured to be mounted on the first end of the outer tube, a protective element configured to cooperate with an outer surface of the inner tube, a distribution element, configured to be mounted in the buffer volume, the distribution element comprising: an inner wall, configured to cooperate with the outer surface of the inner tube, which is integral with the protective element, 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 allows for the easy guidance of the granular material solely within the buffer volume between the tubes. The distribution element inserted within the buffer volume maintains a uniform distance between the two tubes, thus ensuring a uniform flow of the granular material between the inner and outer tubes along the entire circumference of the pipeline. The protective element also prevents the introduction of granular material into the inner tube, which could weaken it. Thanks to the guiding device according to the invention, the inner and outer tubes are correctly positioned and held in place relative to each other throughout the entire granular material filling operation, and therefore during the bending operations.The presence of flow channels guides the introduction of the granular material, minimizing contact with the inner surface of both the outer and inner tubes. This reduces stress on the pipeline and improves the distribution of the granular material. Advantageously, the guide system never comes into contact with the inner surface of the inner tube, which must be protected from any physical stress.

[0015] The distribution unit is integrated with both the funnel and the protective element. The guidance system is therefore quick and easy to install because it does not require the installation of several separate components.

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

[0017] Preferably, the inner and outer tubes are cylindrical, and the distribution element is also cylindrical. The distribution element is configured to cooperate with the buffer volume through complementary shapes. This ensures optimal, homogeneous spacing.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, each connecting arm has a defined thickness between the inner and outer walls, and all connecting arms in 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 element has a cylindrical shape, and the connecting arms are distributed circumferentially and homogeneously within the distribution element. This distribution ensures a distributed flow of the granular material throughout the buffer volume. The flow channels preferably have the same cross-sectional area.

[0020] Preferably, the distribution element has a defined length along its longitudinal axis, with the length of the distribution element being between 10 and 50 mm. This length ensures that the guide device remains in position between the inner and outer tubes, while also guaranteeing a consistent spacing between the two tubes along their entire length. It also allows the granular material to be introduced away from the first ends of the tubes, thus preventing any defects that could hinder the connection of the pipeline.

[0021] In one embodiment, the funnel has a defined length along its longitudinal axis, and the protective element also has a defined length along its longitudinal axis. The length of the protective element is greater than the length of the funnel, allowing for effective protection of the inner tube while preventing granular material from entering it. The protective element effectively protects the inner tube while allowing relative movement of the inner tube with respect to the outer tube to accommodate different types of piping. The protective element thus forms a protective sleeve.

[0022] In one embodiment, the guiding device includes 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 element is between 2 and 12, ensuring that the distribution element maintains a regular shape even when pouring granular material.

[0024] In one embodiment, the protective element is configured to slide along the inner tube, preferably without a cap. This feature advantageously allows the inner tube considerable freedom of movement. The guide device can thus be easily positioned between the two tubes, which are correctly aligned relative to each other. Furthermore, 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 guiding device as described above, and an end cap configured to be mounted at the second end of the outer tube to seal 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 guiding device.

[0027] The combination of the guide device mounted on the first end and the end cap mounted on the second end ensures a 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 seal the buffer volume while allowing the inner tube to slide, particularly during bending.

[0029] The invention also relates to a piping assembly, comprising an outer tube and an inner tube mounted in the outer tube, and a filling system as described above, the piping being configured to be mounted in an aircraft fluid circuit, each tube extending along a longitudinal axis and having a first end and a second end, a buffer volume being defined between the outer tube and the inner tube, the end cap being mounted on the second end of the outer tube to seal the buffer volume, the guide device being mounted on the first end of the outer tube, the inner tube being inserted into the protective 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 to enable it to be bent, the pipe being configured for installation in an aircraft fluid circuit, the pipe comprising an outer tube and an inner tube mounted inside the outer tube, a buffer volume being defined between the outer tube and the inner tube, each tube extending along a longitudinal axis and having a first end and a second end, the buffer volume being sealed at the second ends of the tubes, the filling method comprising steps consisting of: Mount the guiding device as described above on the pipeline, the funnel being mounted on the first end of the outer tube, the protective element cooperating with an outer surface of the inner tube, the distribution element being mounted in the buffer volume, Introduce a granular material between the funnel and the protective element, the distribution element distributing the granular material homogeneously in the buffer volume during filling.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the filling process includes a step of mounting an end cap to 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 process as described above and a step of bending the pipe, the granular material allowing the transfer of the bending forces from the outer tube to the inner tube. PRESENTATION OF THE 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. There [ Fig.1 ] is a schematic representation of a system for bending a double-walled pipe according to the prior art. The [ Fig.2 [ ] is a schematic representation of a double-walled pipe filling system according to one embodiment of the invention, the system being mounted on the pipe. The [ Fig.3 ] is a transparent view of a guidance device for the filling system of the [ Fig.2 ]. There [ Fig.4 ] and the [ Fig.5 ] are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the filling system of the [ Fig.2 ]. There [ Fig.6 ] is a close-up top view of the guiding device according to the invention. The [ Fig.7 ] is a close-up view from below of the guidance device of the [ Fig.5 ]. There [ Fig.8 ] is a diagram of the steps in a method for bending a double-walled pipe.

[0034] It should be noted that the figures explain the invention in detail for implementing the invention, said figures being of course able to serve to better define the invention where appropriate. DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DE L'INVENTION

[0035] With reference to the [ Fig.2 [Figure ] shows a filling system S for a pipe C, according to one embodiment of the invention. The filling system S is configured to allow the pipe C to be filled with a granular material M in order to allow the pipe C to be bent.

[0036] On the [ Fig.2 ], the filling system S is mounted on the pipeline C and includes a guide device 1 and an end cap 6.

[0037] Pipe C is intended to be installed in an aircraft fluid circuit, for example, a fuel circuit. With reference to figures 2 à 4 , the pipeline C comprises an outer tube TE and an inner tube TI, mounted inside the outer tube TE. The inner tube TI and the outer tube TE are concentric and form a double-walled pipeline 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 [ Fig.4 ]. In this example, the longitudinal axis Z extends from the second endpoints TE2, TI2 to the first endpoints TE1, TI1.

[0038] A buffer volume VT, represented on the figures 3 et 4 The buffer volume VT 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 and 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.

[0039] In this example, the inner tube TI and the outer tube TE are cylindrical. Preferably, the tubes TE and TI are in the shape of a right circular cylinder, as shown in the diagram. figures 2 And 3 However, it goes without saying that TI and TE tubes can have a different shape, for example the shape of a cylinder with a square or rectangular base.

[0040] With reference to the [ Fig.4 The outer tube TE comprises an inner surface SEi extending into the buffer volume VT and an outer surface SEe extending radially outward from the tubes TE and TI. The inner tube TI comprises an outer surface SIe extending into the buffer volume VT and an inner surface SIi extending radially inward from the tubes TE and TI. The inner surface SIi is the one intended to come into contact with the fuel or other material. It is important that this surface be protected during bending.

[0041] 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 (represented on the figures 3 And 5 ) between the inner tube TI and the outer tube TE.

[0042] With reference to the [ Fig.5 The inner tube TI has a length LI that is 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, both greater than the diameter DI of the inner tube TI.

[0043] With reference to figures 2 à 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.

[0044] The guiding device 1 according to the invention comprises a funnel 2, a distribution element 3 for the granular material M and a protection element 4 for the inner tube TI.

[0045] Preferably, the guide device 1 is monobloc, allowing the manipulation of a single device, which facilitates its installation.

[0046] In this example, the guide 1 is made of a plastic material, making it lightweight and easy to handle. A plastic guide 1 can also be easily inserted between the two tubes TE and TI and slide along the inner tube TI without risk of damaging the pipe C. It goes without saying that the guide 1 could be made of a different material, particularly metal.

[0047] Funnel 2 is configured to be mounted on the first TE1 end of the outer TE tube.

[0048] As depicted on the figures 5 à 7 The funnel 2 has a frustoconical 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 for its assembly. The second end 22 has a diameter D22 larger than the diameter D21 of the first end 21 to efficiently guide the granular material M while facilitating its pouring into the funnel 2. In this document, the terms "lower" and "upper" are understood to refer to the longitudinal axis Z, which extends from the bottom upwards along the [ Fig.5 Preferably, the lower diameter D21 is substantially equal to the diameter of the outer tube TE plus 1 mm, so that it rests on the outer tube TE.

[0049] In order to be mounted on the first end TE1 of the outer tube TE, the funnel 2 preferably includes a shoulder 23, shown in the figures 4 And 7 . The shoulder 23 is configured to butt 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.

[0050] With reference to figures 4 And 6 , the protective element 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 element 1 with the granular material M.

[0051] The protective element 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 the figures 3 et 4 In this example, with reference to the [ Fig.5 The protective element 4 has a diameter D4 substantially equal to the diameter DI of the inner tube TI so as to be substantially adjacent to the outer surface SIe of the inner tube TI. The protective element 4 acts as a protective sleeve with respect to the inner tube TI.

[0052] In one embodiment, the protective element 4 is configured to slide along the inner tube TI. Preferably, the protective element 4 is free of a plug. In this example, the protective element 4 is in the form of a cylinder open at both ends. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the guide device 1 includes a plug mounted on the protective element 4, which seals the inner tube TI and prevents any granular material M from entering the inner tube TI.

[0053] Still referring to the [ Fig.5 ], the protective element 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 outer surface SIe of the inner tube TI effectively.

[0054] The distribution unit 3 is configured to be mounted in the buffer volume VT between the inner tube TI and the outer tube TE. The distribution unit 3 is configured to be mounted, for example, by push-fitting.

[0055] With reference to the [ Fig.7 The distribution element 3 has the shape of a hollow cylinder. Preferably, the distribution element 3 has the shape of a cylinder with a right circular cross-section to cooperate by complementary shapes with the two tubes TI, TE, and to be able to be inserted into the buffer volume VT.

[0056] In particular, according to the invention, with reference to figures 4 And 7The distribution element 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 protective element 4 and the outer wall 32 is integral with the funnel 2.

[0057] The distribution element 3 also includes a plurality of connecting arms 33, extending between the inner wall 31 and the outer wall 32. The connecting arms 33 define among themselves a plurality of passage veins 5, also shown on the figures 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.

[0058] Since the inner wall 31 is integral with the protective element 4 and the outer wall 32 is integral with the funnel 2, each passage vein 5 opens into the funnel 2, as shown in the [ Fig.6 Thus, during the filling of the guiding device 1, the granular material M is configured to be introduced into the funnel 2 and to flow evenly into all the passage channels 5, as will be described in more detail later. Advantageously, under the effect of gravity and due to the presence of the passage channels 5, the contact between the granular material M and the surfaces of the buffer volume VT is reduced.

[0059] In this example, the distribution element 3 has a length L3, defined along the longitudinal axis Z and represented on the [ Fig.5 ], between 10 and 50 mm. Such a length L3 ensures 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.

[0060] In one embodiment, each connecting arm 33 has a thickness Ep33 (represented on the [ Fig.5 ]) substantially equal to, preferably slightly less than, the spacing Ec between the inner tube TI and the outer tube TE. Such a thickness Ep33 ensures 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 sufficiently large passage channels 5 to allow the granular material M to flow freely. Preferably, all connecting arms 33 of the plurality of connecting arms 33 have the same thickness Ep33. Thus, the distribution element 3 ensures that the inner tube TI and the outer tube TE are correctly positioned relative to each other.

[0061] With reference to the [ Fig.7 The connecting arms 33 are distributed circumferentially and homogeneously within the distribution element 3. In other words, each pair of connecting arms 33 has the same angular spacing. This distribution allows for a distributed flow of the granular material M into the buffer volume VT.

[0062] In this example, the number of connecting arms 33 of the distribution unit 3 is between 2 and 12.

[0063] The S filling system also includes an end cap 6 configured to be mounted on the second end TE2 of the outer tube TE, in order to seal the buffer volume VT.

[0064] With reference to the [ Fig.4 ], the end cap 6 has a cylindrical shape and is configured to cooperate by complementary shapes with the buffer volume VT, so as to seal it effectively.

[0065] In one embodiment, the end cap 6 includes an annular member 61, configured to be inserted into the buffer volume VT. Preferably, the end cap 6 includes 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.

[0066] In a first form of realization (represented on the [ Fig.4 The end cap 6 has an annular shape, so as to seal 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.

[0067] In a second embodiment (not shown) the end cap 6 includes a solid base, so as to seal both the buffer volume VT and the inside of the inner tube TI.

[0068] A method for bending a pipe C will now be described, comprising the steps of a process for filling the pipe C with a granular material M, with reference to the [ Fig.8 ], according to an embodiment of the invention. The double-walled pipe C 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.

[0069] In a first step E1, an end cap 6 is mounted on the second end TE2 of the outer tube TE to seal the buffer volume VT. The entire outer tube TE, inner tube TI, and end cap 6 are then positioned so as to extend vertically along the length of the tubes TE, TI. With the longitudinal axis Z extending from bottom to top, the second ends TE2, TI2 of the tubes TE, TI are placed in the lower position and the first ends TE1, TI1 are placed in the upper position.

[0070] The guide device 1 is then mounted, in step E2, on the first end TE1, TI1 of the tubes TE, TI. More specifically, in this step, the protective element 4 of the guide device 1 slides along the first end TI1 of the inner tube TI. When the distribution element 3 reaches the first end TE1 of the outer tube TE, the latter is progressively inserted into the buffer volume VT. The shoulder 23 of the funnel 2 then comes to rest 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 protective element 4 engages with the outer surface SIe of the inner tube TI, and the distribution element 3 is mounted in the buffer volume VT. Thanks to the distribution element 3, a regular spacing Ec between the inner tube TI and the outer tube TE is ensured.Thanks to 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.

[0071] In a third step E3, a granular material M is introduced between the funnel 2 and the protective device 4 and slides under the effect of gravity through the passage channels 5 into the buffer volume VT. In this step, the distribution device 3 homogeneously distributes the granular material M between the outer tube TE and the inner tube TI, minimizing contact. The risk of granular material M entering the inner tube TI is reduced.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] The pipe C, closed at both ends, is then bent in step E5, with granular material M transferring the bending forces from the outer tube TE to the inner tube TI. After bending, in step E6, the end caps 6 and the granular material M are removed, thus avoiding an increase in the mass of the pipe that will be introduced into an aircraft fluid circuit.

Claims

1. A guiding device (1) for filling a pipe (C) with a granular material (M) in order to allow 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 comprising 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 shield member (4) configured to cooperate with an outer surface (SEi) of the inner tube (TI), - characterized in that it comprises a distribution member (3) configured to be mounted in the buffer volume (VT), the distribution member (3) comprising: ∘ an inner wall (31), configured to cooperate with the outer surface (SEi) of the inner tube (TI), which is secured to the shield member (4), ∘ an outer wall (32), configured to cooperate with an inner surface (Sle) of the outer tube (TE), which is secured to the funnel (2), and ∘ a plurality of linking arms (33), extending between the inner wall (31) and the outer wall (32), defining between them a plurality of flow passages (5) in order to homogeneously distribute the granular material (M) during the filling process.

2. The guiding device (1) according to claim 1, wherein each linking arm (33) having a thickness defined between the inner wall (31) and the outer wall (32), all the linking arms (33) of the plurality of linking arms (33) have the same thickness.

3. The guiding device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, the distribution member (3) having a cylindrical shape, all of the linking arms (33) are homogeneously distributed circumferentially in the distribution member (3).

4. The guiding device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distribution member (3) having a length (L3) defined along the longitudinal axis (Z), the length (L3) of the distribution member (3) is between 10 mm and 50 mm.

5. The guiding device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the funnel (2) having a length (L2) defined along the longitudinal axis, the shield member (4) has a length (L4) defined along the longitudinal axis, the length (L4) of the shield member (4) is greater than the length (L2) of the funnel (2).

6. The guiding device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the number of linking arms (33) is between 2 and 12.

7. The guiding device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the shield member (4) is configured to slide on the inner tube (TI), the shield member (4) preferably being free of a plug.

8. A system (S) for filling a pipe (C) with a granular material (M), comprising: - a guiding device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, and - an end plug (6) configured to be mounted at the second end (TE2) of the outer tube (TE) to close off the buffer volume (VT).

9. An assembly of a pipe (C), comprising an outer tube (TE) and an inner tube (TI) mounted in the outer tube (TE), and of a filling system (S) according to claim 8, the pipe (C) being configured to be mounted in a fluid circuit of an aircraft, each tube (TE, TI) extending along a longitudinal axis (Z) and comprising 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 plug (6) being mounted at the second end (TE2) of the outer tube (TE) in order to close off the buffer volume (VT), the guiding device (3) being mounted on the first end (TE1) of the outer tube (TE), the inner tube (TI) being inserted in the shield member (4), the distribution member (3) being mounted in the buffer volume (VT) so as to allow the buffer volume (VT) to be filled.

10. A method for filling a pipe (C) with a granular material (M) in order to allow 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 comprising a first end (TE1, TI1) and a second end (TE2, TI2), the buffer volume (VT) being closed off at the second ends (TE2, TI2) of the tubes (TE, TI), the filling method comprising steps consisting in: - 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 shield member (4) cooperating with an outer surface (Sle) of the inner tube (TI), the distribution member (3) being mounted on the buffer volume (VT), - Introducing a granular material (M) between the funnel (2) and the shield member (4), the distribution member (3) distributing homogeneously the granular material (M) in the buffer volume (VT) during the filling process.

11. The filling method according to claim 10 comprising a step consisting in mounting an end plug (6) to the second end (TE2) of the outer tube (TE) in order to close off the buffer volume (VT).

12. A bending method comprising the steps of implementing the filling method according to one of claims 10 and 11 and a step of bending the pipe (C), the granular material (M) allowing to transfer the bending forces from the outer tube (TE) to the inner tube (TI).

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