ENDOSCOPE FOR THE INSPECTION OF AN AIRCRAFT TURBOMACHINE AND THE PERFORMANCE OF AT LEAST ONE ACTION IN THIS TURBOMACHINE

Abstract

The invention relates to an endoscope (42) for the inspection of an aircraft turbomachine and the performance of at least one action in this turbomachine, this endoscope (42) comprising a proximal end and a distal end (48) comprising a lighting and viewing system from said proximal end.According to the invention, the endoscope (42) comprises at its distal end (48) a unique coupling system (46) compatible with a first head (44) comprising a lighting and viewing system and a first set of equipment for performing a first action, and with a second head comprising a lighting and viewing system and a second set of equipment for performing a second action different from said first action, each of the first and second heads (44) being capable of being removably attached to said coupling system (46) which comprises connection and / or power supply elements for the equipment of this head (44). Figure for the abstract: Figure 5.

Description

Title of the invention: ENDOSCOPE FOR INSPECTING AN AIRCRAFT TURBOMACHINE AND PERFORMING AT LEAST ONE ACTION IN THIS TURBOMACHINE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope for inspecting an aircraft turbomachine and performing at least one action within that turbomachine. The invention also relates to a kit comprising such an endoscope. Technical background

[0002] Endoscopic inspection of an aircraft turbomachine has been used for many years to check the condition of parts inside the turbomachine. This operation can be carried out directly under an aircraft wing, without prior removal of the turbomachine, which is advantageous because it limits the aircraft's downtime.

[0003] The inspection is carried out using at least one endoscope, which is inserted through an endoscopy port on the turbomachine. The endoscope comprises a proximal end located on the side of the inspection operator and a distal end that must be positioned as close as possible to the part being inspected. The endoscope is equipped with optical viewing elements that allow the operator to view the part from a distance.

[0004] Parts that are regularly inspected on a turbomachine include, for example, the blades. A blade comprises a disc extending within the turbomachine's flow path and may exhibit defects. These defects are primarily due to impacts, oxidation or corrosion, material anomalies, weaknesses in the component, and are mainly physical damage resulting from typical operating conditions. The blades are inspected endoscopically to check for these defects, which reduce the sound parts of the blades and therefore their working cross-sections, thus impacting the blades' lifespan.

[0005] Such nonconformities may require rework, reloading, or other mechanical action on the turbomachine. If a nonconformity is detected, it is known to remove the turbomachine to perform the necessary correction or repair. However, it is more advantageous to repair the part endoscopically to avoid removing and dismantling the turbomachine. For this purpose, various tools are known that allow operations to be performed on the turbomachine endoscopically. However, the large number of different tools available means they become bulky, which increases costs. storage and maintenance. In addition, the multiplication of these tools at the workstation complicates the operator's work and increases the maintenance time to perform the operation(s) on the turbomachine.

[0006] The present invention provides a simple, effective and economical solution to this problem. Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention thus proposes an endoscope for the inspection of an aircraft turbomachine and the performance of at least one action in this turbomachine, this endoscope comprising a proximal end and a distal end comprising a lighting and viewing system from said proximal end.

[0008] According to the invention, the endoscope comprises at its distal end a unique coupling system compatible with a first head comprising a lighting and visualization system and a first equipment for carrying out a first action, and with a second head comprising a lighting and visualization system and a second equipment for carrying out a second action different from said first action, each of the first and second heads being able to be removably fixed to said coupling system which comprises connection and / or power supply elements for the equipment of this head.

[0009] Thanks to its unique coupling system, the endoscope according to the invention is advantageously configured to perform various actions on the turbomachine via different heads that can be removably attached to the system. The overall size of the tooling required for maintenance is thus advantageously reduced. Such a multifunctional endoscope also eliminates the need for multiple tools at the workstation, thereby reducing maintenance costs and time, while simplifying the work of the operators.

[0010] The endoscope according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in combination with each other: • the coupling system is of the threaded type and includes a male or female thread configured to cooperate with a female or male thread carried by each of the first and second heads; • the thread carried by each head is located on a ring mounted freely to rotate on that head; • the coupling system includes at least one electrical and / or optical, and / or fluidic connection element; • the coupling system includes at least one optical plug-in connector, for example of the MTP type; • the coupling system includes at least one keying device to define a correct coupling position of the system at each of the first and second heads; • the error-proofing device is of the male-female interlocking type; • The coupling system includes at least one fluid connection port; and • said at least one element is located on or at the level of a wall of the coupling system which is electrically conductive and configured to be in contact with an electrically conductive wall of each of said first and second heads for the purpose of supplying them with electricity.

[0011] The present invention also relates to a kit-form assembly comprising an endoscope as described above, and two heads compatible with the endoscope's unique coupling system, a first head comprising a lighting and viewing system and a first piece of equipment for performing a first action, and a second head comprising a lighting and viewing system and a second piece of equipment for performing a second action different from said first action, each of the first and second heads being able to be removably fixed to said coupling system which includes connection and / or power supply elements for the equipment of this head. Brief description of the figures

[0012] The invention will be better understood and other details, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0013] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a schematic perspective view of a turbomachine aircraft, viewed from below and from the side,

[0014] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view of a turbine rotor blade bomachine,

[0015] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective view of stator blades of a turbine bomachine,

[0016] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a very schematic perspective view of a blade of a turbine turbomachine,

[0017] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an assembly comprising a endoscope according to the invention, as well as a head removably fixed to a distal end of the endoscope,

[0018] [Fig. 6] [Fig. 6] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the head of the entire [Fig.5]

[0019] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distal end of the endoscope of the [Fig.5],

[0020] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of the distal end of the endoscope of [Fig.5], and

[0021] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of the head of [Fig.5]. Detailed description of the invention

[0022] Fig. 1 schematically shows an aircraft turbomachine 10 which conventionally comprises a gas generator 12 whose shaft drives a fan 14 which is here surrounded by a casing 15. The gas generator 12 comprises at least one compressor 16, a combustion chamber 18 and at least one turbine 20.

[0023] In the case of a turbomachine with a dual flow, respectively primary and secondary, the blower 14 generates an airflow which splits into a primary flow which enters the gas generator 12 and a secondary flow which flows around the gas generator and is schematically represented by the arrows 22.

[0024] The primary flow passes in particular through the compressor 16 and the turbine 18 which include blades.

[0025] Figure 2 represents a turbine rotor blade 24. Conventionally, the blade 24 includes a blade 26, one end of which is connected to a foot 28 and the opposite end of which is connected to a heel 30.

[0026] Fig. 3 represents a turbine distributor sector 32, this sector comprising stator blades 34 extending between two platforms, respectively internal 36 and external 38. Each blade 34 is formed by a blade 26.

[0027] The blade 26 of each blade 24, 34 has an aerodynamic profile and is susceptible to a non-conformity, for example by impact of a foreign body or by oxidation or corrosion, in particular at its leading edge 26a or its trailing edge 26b. This non-conformity, if not repaired, is susceptible to generating the appearance of cracks or fissures.

[0028] The present invention provides an endoscope for the inspection of an aircraft turbomachine 10 and for carrying out at least one action in this turbomachine.

[0029] Figure 4 shows, for example, the effect of oxidation or corrosion on an edge of The trailing edge 26b of a blade 26 is initially defined as a known thickness E at its trailing edge 26b, for example, and at a predetermined distance D, for example 1 mm, from this trailing edge. L denotes an imaginary line extending at a distance D from the trailing edge 26b and located, for example, on a chord of the blade 26. The thickness E is measured at this line L, between two points located respectively on the lower surface 26c and the upper surface 26d of the blade.

[0030] The trailing edge 26b is shown in continuous lines in its state and position of its original state, and shown in dotted lines in its deformed state due to material loss from oxidation or corrosion. It can be seen that line L is displaced due to the non-conformity causing the material loss.

[0031] Figures 5 and 6 show an assembly 40 comprising an endoscope 42 and a head 44 removably attached to the endoscope 42. Although only one head 44 is shown in these figures, the assembly 40 in kit form may comprise several distinct heads 44, compatible with the coupling system 46 of the endoscope 42. Each head 44 is typically a tool head, distinct from the other tool heads 44 and dedicated to a particular operation or action to be performed in the turbomachine 10. For this purpose, each head 44 is equipped with tooling equipment (not shown in the figures) dedicated to carrying out this particular operation or action.

[0032] The endoscope 42 has a generally elongated shape and is preferably flexible. It comprises a proximal end located on the operator's side and a distal end 48 which must be located as close as possible to the part on which an action is to be performed; only this distal end 48 is shown in the figures. The distal end 48 of the endoscope is equipped with a lighting and viewing system from the proximal end; such a system is not shown in the figures for clarity. The lighting and viewing system comprises one or more optical lighting and viewing elements such as an optical fiber, a camera coupled or not to a lens, a lighting device such as a light source, or a laser.

[0033] As can be seen in [Fig. 5], and even more clearly in Figures 7 and 8, the endoscope 42 comprises a generally tubular body 45 and a coupling system 46 located at its distal end 48. This unique coupling system 46 is compatible with each of the heads 44. To this end, the coupling system 46 is, for example, of the threaded type and includes a male or female thread configured to cooperate with a female or male thread carried by each head 44. In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 to 9, the coupling system 46 includes a male thread 50 configured to cooperate with a female thread 52 carried by each head 44. More specifically, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 9, each of the heads 44 is typically provided with a threaded rotating ring or sleeve 54 which includes the female thread 52 on its inner surface.The ring or bushing 54 is mounted inseparably from the head 44, and free to rotate on this head 44. Preferably, and as illustrated in figures 5 and 6, one or more bearing(s) 56 are inserted between the rotating ring or bushing 54 and the head 44.

[0034] The coupling system 46 carried by the endoscope 42 comprises one or more connection and / or power supply elements 58-64 for the equipment contained in a head 44. Preferably, the element(s) 58, 62, 64 are a connecting element. electrical and / or optical, and / or fluidic coupling. In the particular embodiment illustrated in the figures, the coupling system 46 includes an optical connector 58 for plug-in connection, for example of the MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) type, two keying elements 60, a fluidic connection port 62, and an electrically conductive wall 64.

[0035] The plug-in optical connector 58 is connected to the previously described lighting and visualization system. As can be seen in particular in Figures 8 and 9, the optical connector 58 is configured to cooperate with a corresponding optical connector 66, for example of the MTP type, present in each head 44. The optical connector 58 thus allows optical control of the head 44 by the operator.

[0036] Each keying member 60 allows a correct coupling position of the system 46 to be defined at each of the heads 44. Each keying member 60 is for example of the male-female interlocking type. In the example shown, each keying element 60 is a female element in the form of a hole and is configured to cooperate with a corresponding male element 68 present in each head 44. Such keying elements 60, 68 facilitate the mounting of the heads 44 onto the coupling system 46. Preferably, as seen in [Fig. 8], the keying elements 60 are not symmetrical on the coupling system 46 with respect to a substantially vertical direction passing through the center of the wall 64. This prevents any inverted mounting of the head 44 on the coupling system 46, i.e., a mounting that would position the fluidic connection port 72 of the head 44 facing the optical connector 58.

[0037] The fluid connection port 62 is typically an air inlet connection port and is connected to an air channel 70 extending axially within the body 45 of the endoscope 42. As can be seen in particular in Figures 8 and 9, the fluid connection port 62 is configured to cooperate with a corresponding fluid connection port 72 present in each head 44. The fluid connection port 62 thus allows pneumatic control of the head 44 by the operator. The fluid connection port 72 is connected to an air channel 73 extending axially within the head 44. Preferably, and as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, an airtight element 74, such as a gasket, is mounted on the fluid connection port 72.

[0038] The electrically conductive wall 64 carries each of the elements 58, 60, 62. As can be seen in particular in figures 8 and 9, the electrically conductive wall 64 is configured to be in contact with a corresponding electrically conductive wall 76 present in each head 44. The electrically conductive wall 64 thus allows electrical control of the head 44 by the operator, and also provides the electrical supply to the latter.

[0039] In addition to the tooling equipment and interface elements 66, 68, 72, 76 described above, each head 44 also includes a lighting and visualization system, the latter not being shown in the figures for reasons of clarity.

[0040] In use, the endoscope 42 according to the invention allows an operator to perform various actions on the turbomachine 10 via the different heads 44 that can be removably attached to the coupling system 46. For example, and without limitation, the operator can first use the endoscope 42 with a first laser head to perform laser machining of a blade 24, 34. The operator can then remove the laser head and mount in its place a penetrant injection head, then insert the endoscope 42 into the turbomachine 10 to project the products onto the machined blade. The operator can then replace this product injection head with another head equipped with ultraviolet lighting, and use the endoscope 44 to observe any defects in the blade under ultraviolet illumination.

[0041] The overall size of the tools required for maintenance is thus advantageously reduced. It is therefore understood that the endoscope 42 according to the invention is a multifunctional endoscope that eliminates the need for multiple tools at the workstation and consequently reduces maintenance costs and time, while simplifying the work of the operators.

Claims

Demands

1. Endoscope (42) for the inspection of an aircraft turbomachine (10) and for performing at least one action in this turbomachine (10), said endoscope (42) having a proximal end and a distal end (48) having a lighting and viewing system from said proximal end, said endoscope having at its distal end (48) a unique coupling system (46) compatible with a first head (44) having a lighting and viewing system and a first piece of equipment for performing a first action, and with a second head having a lighting and viewing system and a second piece of equipment for performing a second action different from said first action, each of the first and second heads (44) being capable of being removably attached to said coupling system (46) which includes connection and / or power supply elements for the equipment of this head (44),said endoscope being characterized in that the coupling system (46) is of the threaded type and comprises a male or female thread (50) configured to cooperate with a female or male thread (52) carried by each of the first and second heads (44), the thread (52) carried by each head (44) being located on a ring (54) mounted freely for rotation on this head (44).

2. Endoscope (42) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling system (46) comprises at least one electrical and / or optical, and / or fluidic connection element (58, 62, 64).

3. Endoscope (42) according to the preceding claim, wherein the coupling system (46) comprises at least one optical connector (58) for plug-in connection, for example of the MTP type.

4. Endoscope (42) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the coupling system (46) includes at least one keying member (60) for defining a correct coupling position of the system (46) to each of the first and second heads (44).

5. Endoscope (42) according to the preceding claim, wherein the anti-mistaking member (60) is of the male-female interlocking type.

6. Endoscope (42) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the coupling system (46) comprises at least one fluidic connection port (62).

7. Endoscope (42) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein said at at least one element (58, 60, 62) is located on or at the level of a wall (64) of the coupling system (46) which is electrically conductive and configured to be in contact with an electro-conductive wall (76) of each of said first and second heads (44) for the purpose of supplying them with electricity.

8. Assembly (40) in kit form, comprising an endoscope (42) according to any one of the preceding claims, and two heads (44) compatible with the single coupling system (46) of the endoscope (42), a first of the heads (44) comprising a lighting and viewing system and a first equipment for carrying out a first action, and a second of the heads comprising a lighting and viewing system and a second equipment for carrying out a second action different from said first action, each of the first and second heads (44) being able to be removably fixed to said coupling system (46) which includes connection and / or power supply elements for the equipment of this head (44).

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