Method and device for capturing ferromagnetic particles for a mechanical system, and associated mechanical system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a capture device (10) for capturing ferromagnetic particles (90). The capture device (10) comprises several electromagnets (15) that can be activated sequentially. The capture device (10) includes an electrical unit (20) connected to the electromagnets (15) and supplying them electrically one after the other during a cleaning cycle. (Shorthand figure: Figure 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for capturing ferromagnetic particles for a mechanical system, and associated mechanical system.

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a device for capturing ferromagnetic particles in a mechanical system.

[0002] An assembly may include a mechanical system. This mechanical system may be equipped with moving parts in contact with each other, such as gears, for example. The assembly may then be equipped with a fluidic system to lubricate the contact areas of the moving parts and / or to cool them.

[0003] For example, a rotary-wing aircraft may include a rotor. To rotate such a rotor, the aircraft is equipped with a propulsion system comprising at least one engine. In addition, a power transmission may be interposed between at least one engine and at least one rotor. A fluidic system may then lubricate and / or cool the moving parts of the power transmission.

[0004] Such a fluidic system may include a reservoir and a fluidic circuit conveying a fluid, for example oil, from the reservoir to the elements to be lubricated and / or cooled. This fluid can then return by gravity to the reservoir.

[0005] According to a known architecture, the fluid circuit comprises a pump that draws the fluid from the reservoir. The fluid is then directed to a heat exchanger. The fluid then reaches one or more spray rails to be directed to the components to be lubricated and / or cooled.

[0006] Such an assembly combining a mechanical system with a fluidic system proves effective in enabling optimal operation of the mechanical system. However, the fluid of the fluidic system may contain unwanted ferromagnetic particles.

[0007] Therefore, the fluidic system may include at least one filter, for example to prevent the introduction of particles into a spray boom. The pump(s) of the fluidic system may also include a strainer.

[0008] In addition, the assembly may include a device for determining the possible presence of particles in the fluid, particularly for maintenance purposes.

[0009] A known device includes a magnetic stopper. Another known device includes a sensor for counting particles circulating in the fluid.

[0010] Document CA 2 853 064 describes a chip-based device for detecting and capturing metal shavings in turbocharger oil. The device includes a horseshoe-shaped magnet. This magnet has a C-shaped portion that is housed in a casing and extended by two arms ending in points. located outside the casing.

[0011] US Patent 5,264,832 describes a multi-detector device capable of detecting particles in several fluid flow paths. The device comprises two parallel electrical conductors surrounding a plurality of discrete magnets that are aligned along the longitudinal axis of the device. The north poles of the magnets are adjacent to one of the conductors, and the south poles are adjacent to the other conductor. Electrical insulators are mounted around the conductors and positioned longitudinally between each of the magnets. In another embodiment, the magnets are replaced by a single continuous magnet that spans the longitudinal length of the conductors.

[0012] US patent 10,197,488 describes a method for determining particle dimensions.

[0013] Furthermore, an operator can drain the fluid from the fluidic system of a mechanical system during a maintenance operation. Following the draining, the operator can clean this mechanical system to remove any particles that may remain within it. The operator can insert a rod equipped with a permanent magnet into the power transmission gearbox for cleaning. The operator moves the rod within the mechanical system to collect any ferromagnetic particles. The operator can then bring the magnetized rod close to a magnetic plug to collect all the particles gathered on this plug.

[0014] Such a process is very effective and allows a mechanical system to be cleaned, but proves to be relatively long.

[0015] The present invention then aims to provide an innovative device for capturing ferromagnetic particles, in particular for cleaning a power transmission box of a vehicle for example.

[0016] According to the invention, a capture device, for capturing ferromagnetic particles, comprises at least one set of several electromagnets that can be activated one after the other, said capture device comprising an electrical unit connected to the electromagnets and supplying them electrically one after the other during a cleaning cycle.

[0017] Thus, the sensing device comprises an array of electromagnets that are activated sequentially by the electrical unit. These electromagnets can form a mat of electromagnets arranged in the bottom or against the bottom of a mechanical system that may contain unwanted ferromagnetic particles. When an electromagnet is electrically powered by the electrical unit, this electromagnet produces a magnetic field proportional to the received electric current. This magnetic field exerts an attractive force on the ferromagnetic particles present in the mechanical system.

[0018] Thus, a first electromagnet can capture ferromagnetic particles before being de-energized, and then a second, adjacent electromagnet is in turn energized. This second electromagnet then captures the ferromagnetic particles attracted by the first electromagnet and possibly other ferromagnetic particles. In this process, the electromagnets capture ferromagnetic particles and move them towards a predetermined electromagnet.

[0019] This capture device thus makes it possible to move filings by magnetism to a desired location without human intervention and relatively quickly.

[0020] An operator can then collect the ferromagnetic particles, either directly or indirectly using a tool and, for example, a possible magnetic stopper described later.

[0021] The sensing device may comprise a single set of electromagnets or several sets. If there are several sets, these sets may operate in parallel. For example, the last electromagnet of one set is positioned within the magnetic field of an electromagnet of another set.

[0022] The capture device may include one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0023] According to one possible feature, each electromagnet may comprise an electrical coil wound around a magnetic core.

[0024] Such an electromagnet can efficiently attract ferromagnetic particles.

[0025] According to a possible characteristic compatible with the preceding one, the electrical unit is configured to electrify said electromagnets one after the other and step by step according to a pre-established sequence during said cleaning cycle.

[0026] The expression "from near to near" means that an electromagnet is electrified after an adjacent electromagnet.

[0027] According to a possible feature compatible with the preceding ones, the electrical unit comprises a wired power supply network equipped with switches, each switch being electrically connected to an associated electromagnet and a power source. Furthermore, the electrical unit includes a power supply module, of the processor type or otherwise, which controls the switches. The power supply module is then programmed to close the switches one by one according to a predetermined sequence during a cleaning cycle, with only one switch at a time powering an electromagnet at each instant.

[0028] According to a possibility compatible with the previous possibilities, the electromagnets can be integrated into a wall of the mechanical system to be treated or can be arranged against this wall during a cleaning operation.

[0029] When the electromagnets are integrated into a wall of the mechanical system to be treated, The sensing device can then be activated during the operation of the mechanical system. Within a vehicle's power transmission, the sensing device can operate while the vehicle is running, and particularly during flight on an aircraft.

[0030] When the electromagnets are arranged against this wall only during a cleaning operation, each electromagnet is then pressed against the wall. This arrangement optimizes the operation of the sensing device since the force exerted by the electromagnets on the ferromagnetic particles depends on the distance separating each electromagnet from the ferromagnetic particles. Therefore, the sensing device may include a fastening system to attach the electromagnets to the mechanical system to be cleaned, for example, against the bottom of a power transmission box.

[0031] For example, the sensing device includes a support carrying the electromagnets, said electrical unit comprising a wired power supply network running along the support and joining each electromagnet.

[0032] The term "wired" refers to an electrical connection, this electrical connection being able to include in particular at least one electrical wire as such and / or at least one electrical track for example.

[0033] The support can then be moved by an operator, possibly with the aid of a tool, to properly position the electromagnets against the mechanical system to be cleaned.

[0034] According to a first example, the support comprises a net made of an elastic material, for example elastomer. The electromagnets are then attached to the net, with the electrical power supply wire network for the electromagnets running along the net.

[0035] According to a second example, the support may include an electronic card of the electrical unit.

[0036] The electronic card as such then acts as a support.

[0037] According to a first variant of this second example, the electronic card is Made from a material that allows the electronic board to be deformed, as long as its elastic limit is not reached. The support can then be elastically deformed to press the electromagnets against the mechanical system to be cleaned.

[0038] According to a second variant of this second example, the electronic card is rigid and has a shape complementary to the shape of a wall of the mechanical system to be cleaned.

[0039] Whatever the nature of the support, the support may further include fasteners to be fixed to corresponding fasteners of the mechanical system to be cleaned.

[0040] In addition or as an alternative, the capture device may include an inflatable balloon to move the electromagnets.

[0041] To bring the electromagnets closer to the mechanical system, the capture device may include a tool comprising an inflatable balloon. The balloon can be slid under the subassembly comprising the electromagnets and the mechanical system to be cleaned. When the balloon is inflated, the electromagnets move closer to the mechanical system, if necessary deforming the support. This inflatable balloon allows for quick and easy installation of the electromagnets.

[0042] For example, the balloon is attached to the support, and where applicable to the electronic board or the net carrying the electromagnets.

[0043] According to a possible feature compatible with the preceding ones, the electrical unit can be configured to electrically power said electromagnets, in inductive detector operating mode, said electrical unit comprising an inductive module to detect a change in a magnetic field generated by each electromagnet.

[0044] In inductive detector mode, the sensing device can detect the presence of particles that modify the magnetic fields of electromagnets in a known manner. Using the principle of an inductive detector, the sensing device can detect the presence of ferromagnetic particles in the magnetic field of each electromagnet.

[0045] Such an inductive detector operating mode can be used after a cleaning cycle of the sensing device to verify that all ferromagnetic particles present in the bottom of the mechanical system have been removed.

[0046] According to a possible characteristic compatible with the preceding ones, the capture device may include at least one actuator moving said electromagnets in translation, said actuator being controlled by a displacement module of the electrical unit, the displacement module being synchronized with a power supply module of the electrical unit.

[0047] Such an actuator can improve the efficiency of the sensing device. Indeed, by moving the electromagnets, the actuator also allows the ferromagnetic particles captured by a particular electromagnet to move in tandem. At the end of the maneuver, these ferromagnetic particles are brought closer to the adjacent electromagnet.

[0048] The actuator can be attached to the optional support and can be synchronized with the power supply module.

[0049] Depending on the arrangement of the electromagnets, several actuators can be used according to a predetermined sequence.

[0050] According to a possible feature compatible with the preceding ones, said capture device may comprise a magnetic plug, a magnetic field exerted by this magnetic plug encompassing the last electromagnet activated by the electrical unit during said cleaning cycle.

[0051] The interior of the mechanical system may be difficult to access. Instead of directing the captured ferromagnetic particles towards an opening in the mechanical system accessible to an operator, the capture device can direct them towards a conventional magnetic stopper. It is then possible to recover the ferromagnetic particles via the magnetic stopper.

[0052] Furthermore, the magnetic plug can be coupled with an alarm. When an active sensing device is present during the operation of the mechanical system, such a system has the advantage of generating an alarm indicating the presence of ferromagnetic particles in the mechanical system. Within an aircraft, the sensing device can capture ferromagnetic particles in flight and direct them towards the magnetic plug to generate an alert and warn a pilot.

[0053] A magnetic stopper can, for example, be common to several sets of electromagnets where appropriate.

[0054] Furthermore, a mechanical system may be equipped with a housing delimiting an internal environment that may contain ferromagnetic particles. This mechanical system may include a collection device as described in this disclosure.

[0055] The housing may include a base, the electromagnets are integrated into the base or pressed against the base outside of said internal environment.

[0056] To completely eliminate the need for a maintenance task involving the collection of ferromagnetic particles, electromagnets can be integrated into the structure of the mechanical system, for example, in a power transmission gearbox. On a vehicle, real-time detection of the presence of ferromagnetic particles is feasible.

[0057] This disclosure also relates to a method for capturing ferromagnetic particles, the method comprising capturing particles by performing the following steps in a loop during a cleaning cycle:

[0058] - power supply to an electromagnet to capture any iron particles romagnetic,

[0059] - interruption of the power supply to said electromagnet,

[0060] - power supply to another electromagnet located next to the pre-existing electromagnet previously powered by electricity.

[0061] During a cleaning cycle, each electromagnet is thus electrically powered only once.

[0062] Optionally, following the said power supply to an electromagnet to capture any ferromagnetic particles, the process may include a displacement in a first direction and over an amplitude of all the electromagnets, then said cut and a displacement in a second direction opposite to the first direction and on said amplitude of all the electromagnets.

[0063] Optionally, at the end of said cleaning cycle, the process includes capturing ferromagnetic particles present at the last electrically powered electromagnet with a magnetic plug.

[0064] Optionally, at the end of said cleaning cycle, the process includes a particle detection cycle with electromagnets and an inductive module of the electrical unit.

[0065] The invention and its advantages will become apparent in more detail in the following description, with illustrative examples given by reference to the accompanying figures, which represent:

[0066] [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1], a diagram illustrating a capture device according to the invention and its operation,

[0067] [Fig.2] [Fig.2], a diagram illustrating electromagnets mounted on an electronic circuit board-type support,

[0068] [Fig.3] [Fig.3], a diagram illustrating electromagnets carried by a net-type support,

[0069] [Fig.4] [Fig.4], a diagram illustrating electromagnets attached to a mechanical system,

[0070] [Fig.5] [Fig.5], a diagram illustrating a sensing device having at least one actuator for moving the electromagnets in use,

[0071] [Fig. 6] [Fig. 6], a diagram illustrating the capture of ferromagnetic particles before the activation of an actuator

[0072] [Fig.7] [Fig.7], a diagram illustrating the movement of electromagnets with an actuator,

[0073] [Fig.8] the [Fig.8], a diagram illustrating the situation after the movement of an actuator.

[0074] Elements present in several separate figures are assigned one and the same reference.

[0075] Fig. 1 presents a capture device 10 for capturing ferromagnetic particles 90 in an internal medium INT of the mechanical system 75. This mechanical system 75 may in particular include a housing 81 delimiting the internal medium INT, the housing 81 being able to have a bottom 82 on which the ferromagnetic particles 90 are deposited.

[0076] For example, the mechanical system 75 is a power transmission gearbox that drives a rotor 80. For example, the power transmission gearbox comprises rotating elements 83 connected to a motor 84 and to a rotor mast 85 fixed to the rotor 80. Figure 1 illustrates a gear and a reduction stage of Epicyclic speed by way of example only. The mechanical system 75 may further include a fluidic system 86 circulating a fluid 79. For example, the fluid 79 rests at rest in a reservoir formed by the casing 81. Optionally, the fluidic system 86 includes at least one pump 87 drawing the fluid from the casing 81, a heat exchanger 88 supplying fluid 79, and a spray bar 89 spraying the fluid onto the rotating elements 83.

[0077] Regardless of the nature of the mechanical system 75, the sensing device 10 comprises at least one set of electromagnets equipped with at least two electromagnets 15, which may be fixed to the mechanical system or attached to it, for example, its base 82. The reference numeral 15 is used to designate electromagnets in general, with reference numerals 151, 152, 153, and 154 designating specific electromagnets as needed. The figures illustrate four electromagnets 151, 152, 153, and 154 by way of example; the sensing device 10 may have more or fewer depending on the requirement.

[0078] Each electromagnet 15 can be equipped with an electrical coil 17 wound around a magnetic core 16. When an electric current passes through the electrical coil 17, this electrical coil 17 generates a magnetic field capable of attracting ferromagnetic particles 90 towards the electromagnet.

[0079] To this end, the sensing device 10 includes an electrical unit 20. The electrical unit 20 is electrically connected to each electromagnet 15. The electrical unit 20 is configured, in particular, to power the electromagnets 15 one after the other, or even one at a time, during a cleaning cycle. Specifically, the electrical unit 20 can be configured to energize the electromagnets 15 one after the other and progressively according to a programmed sequence.

[0080] According to the process of the invention, the capture device 10 performs in a loop the following steps during a cleaning cycle up to the last electromagnet 154.

[0081] Therefore, the process includes a feeding step STP1, during which the electrical unit 20 electrically supplies a first electromagnet 151 to capture any ferromagnetic particles 90. The other electromagnets 152, 153, 154 are inactive by not being electrically supplied.

[0082] After a predetermined period, the process then includes a cut-off step STP2 during which the electrical unit 20 cuts off the power supply to the first electromagnet 151. All the other electromagnets 152, 153, 154 are inactive, as they are not electrically powered. The ferromagnetic particles 90 are then located directly above the first electromagnet 151.

[0083] After a predetermined period, the process then includes a new power supply step STP3 during which the electrical unit 20 electrically supplies the second electromagnet 152 located next to the first electromagnet 151 previously electrically powered. The other electromagnets 151, 153, 154 are inactive as they are not electrically powered. The ferromagnetic particles then move in the direction of the second electromagnet 152, following the arrow FL.

[0084] This loop is made from near to the last electromagnet 154. According to the illustrated example, the ferromagnetic particles 90 are moved successively towards the third electromagnet 153 according to arrow F2, then towards the last electromagnet 154 according to arrow F3.

[0085] Furthermore, the sensing device 10 may include a magnetic plug 70. For example, the magnetic plug 70 passes through a partition of the housing 81 in order to extend into the internal environment INT and outside the housing. This magnetic plug 70 can be positioned to exert a magnetic field encompassing the last electromagnet 154 activated by the electrical unit 20 during the cleaning cycle.

[0086] Optionally, the magnetic stopper 70 is connected to an alerter 71. The magnetic stopper 70 normally transmits a signal to the alerter 71 when the magnetic stopper 70 captures ferromagnetic particles 90, possibly depending on the number of particles captured.

[0087] The term signal refers to an electrical or optical signal, analog or digital for example.

[0088] Therefore, the applied process may include a STPF capture step. During this step, the magnetic plug 70 captures the ferromagnetic particles 90 present at the location of the last electrically powered electromagnet 154 when this electromagnet 154 is no longer electrically powered. If necessary, the alarm 71 generates a visual or audible alert, for example. An operator can then grasp the magnetic plug 70 to collect the captured ferromagnetic particles 90.

[0089] To sequentially power the electromagnets 15, the electrical unit 20 may include a wired power supply network 25.

[0090] This wired power supply network 25 may include an electrical power source 26. For example, the electrical power source 26 may include a battery, a cell or equivalent or a plug to be connected to an electrical network for example.

[0091] The wired power supply network 25 may include an electrical ground 29. For example, the electrical ground 29 may include an electrical ground as such or a plug to be connected to an electrical ground of an electrical network for example.

[0092] Therefore, the wired power supply network 25 can include, for each electromagnet 15, a power supply link 27 connecting the electrical coil 17 to the electrical power source 26, possibly via a section common to all the power supply links 27 according to the illustrated example. Even Typically, each power supply link 27 is provided with at least one electrical wire and / or at least one electrical track and / or a switch 31 capable of receiving a control signal to be closed or opened and / or a conventional current sensor 32 capable of transmitting a measurement signal.

[0093] Optionally, a single current sensor 32 is arranged at the output of the electrical power source 26 within a section common to all electrical power supply links.

[0094] In addition, the wired power supply network 25 may include, for each electromagnet 15, an electrical return link 28 connecting the electrical coil to the electrical ground 29. Optionally, the electrical return link 28 is provided with at least one electrical wire and / or at least one electrical track.

[0095] Furthermore, the electrical unit 20 includes a power supply module 51 connected to each switch 31. The power supply module 51 is configured to transmit a control signal to each switch 31 carrying an order to open or close the switch 31 during a cleaning cycle. Optionally, the power supply module 51 can be configured to implement a cleaning cycle according to a predetermined stored period and / or simply by supplying power to the power supply module 51 and / or upon a command from an interface connected to the power supply module 51 and transmitting to this power supply module 51 a signal carrying an operating command.

[0096] A processing unit may include, for example, at least one processor and at least one memory, at least one integrated circuit, at least one programmable system, at least one logic circuit; these examples do not limit the scope given to the expression "processing unit." The term processor may refer to a central processing unit known by the acronym CPU, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processing unit (DSP), a microcontroller, etc.

[0097] The term "module" then refers to a processing unit or part of a processing unit, such as a code segment. Several modules can form a single processing unit 50, each module being able, for example, to take the form of different code segments, within a microcontroller for example.

[0098] According to another feature in an inductive detector operating mode, the electrical unit 20 can be configured to electrically power the electromagnets 15 and detect the presence of ferromagnetic particles 90.

[0099] To this end, the electrical unit 20 may include an inductive module 52 receiving measurement signals from current sensors 32. The inductive module 52 is configured to detect, according to a known method, the presence of ferromagnetic particles 90 from a modification of a magnetic field generated by each electromagnet 15. Where appropriate, the inductive module 52 is connected to the alarmer 71. For example, the inductive module includes an oscillator and a signal shaping stage.

[0100] Optionally, the inductive module 52 is activated at the end of the cleaning cycle, for example when the power supply module 51 transmits a signal indicating the end of the cleaning cycle to the inductive module 52.

[0101] Therefore, following the cleaning cycle described above, and in particular after cleaning any magnetic plug 70, the electrical unit 20 can perform a verification step. The power supply module 51 powers the electromagnets 15, for example, one by one. The inductive module 52 receives a signal from the current sensor(s) 32 to determine, in the usual way, whether the mechanical system 75 still contains ferromagnetic particles 90. If so, the inductive module 52 can transmit an alert signal to the alarm 71.

[0102] To position the electromagnets 15 appropriately and in accordance with the teaching of figures 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, the sensing device 10 may include a support 40 carrying the electromagnets 15. The wire connections of the electrical power supply network 25 then run at least partly along the support 40 to reach each electromagnet 15.

[0103] The support 40 can be moved to press the electromagnets 15 against the base 82 of the mechanical system. Optionally, the support 40 may include fasteners 43 that can be temporarily attached to fasteners of the mechanical system 75. Any type of fastener is possible.

[0104] According to [Fig.2], the support 40 can include an electronic board 41 of the electrical unit 20. This electronic board 41 can thus include a core that can carry the electrical supply links 27 and electrical return links 28, the electrical supply module 51, the optional inductive module 52, the optional displacement module 53, and of course the electromagnets 15.

[0105] The electronic card 41 can be rigid and conformed to the shape of the base 82 of the mechanical system 75.

[0106] According to another example, the electronic card 41 can be flexible to adapt to the shape of the bottom 82 of the mechanical system 75.

[0107] To move the electromagnets 15 against the mechanical system 75, the capture device 10 can be provided with an inflatable balloon 60, and optionally an inflator 61.

[0108] The balloon 60 can then exert a force on the electromagnets 15, possibly via the support 40. The support 40 can simply be placed on the balloon 60 before its inflation or can be attached to the balloon 60.

[0109] According to [Fig. 3], the support 40 can take the form of a net 42. The electromagnets 15 can be placed at the nodes of net 42 for example.

[0110] According to [Fig.4], the electromagnets 15 can be attached to the mechanical system 75, for example by being fixed or integrated into the base 82. The electrical unit 20 can also be attached to the mechanical system 75 or can be offset, for example.

[0111] According to another aspect and with reference to [Fig. 5], the sensing device 10 may include at least one actuator 65, for example, a linear actuator. Each actuator 65 is configured to move the electromagnets 15 in translation in two opposite directions and by the same amplitude. For example, the actuator(s) 35 are fixed to a support 40 carrying the electromagnets 15 in order to move them together.

[0112] When the electromagnets 15 are integrated into the mechanical system 75, the electromagnets 15 can be jointly mobile in a housing of the mechanical system 75, for example within a hollow bottom wall 82.

[0113] When the electromagnets 15 are carried by a support 40 attached by fasteners 43 to the mechanical system 75, the fasteners 43 can give the support 40 at least one degree of freedom in translation relative to the mechanical system 75. For example these fasteners 43 comprise simple cords.

[0114] The actuator(s) 65 can be controlled by a displacement module 53 of the electrical unit 20. The displacement module 53 is synchronized with the power supply module 51 so that only one particular electromagnet 15 is electrically powered or not during the displacement of the electromagnets 15.

[0115] According to the process applied and with reference to [Fig.6], a first electromagnet 151 can be electrically powered to capture any ferromagnetic particles 90.

[0116] With reference to [Fig. 7], following the power supply to the first electromagnet 151, the displacement module 53 transmits a signal to at least one actuator 65 to move all the electromagnets 15 along the arrow F5 in a first direction and over an amplitude. The first direction is from the first electromagnet 151 to the adjacent second electromagnet 152. The ferromagnetic particles 90 captured by the first electromagnet 151 move with it in the first direction.

[0117] From then on, the displacement module 53 synchronizes with the power supply module 51 so that the power supply module 51 does not electrically supply any electromagnet 15.

[0118] Following the interruption of the power supply to the first electromagnet 151, the displacement module 53 transmits a signal to the actuator 65 to move all the electromagnets 15 along arrow F6 and in a second direction opposite to the first. The ferromagnetic particles 90 therefore remain stationary. Consequently, the electromagnets 15 return to their original positions, but the ferromagnetic particles 90 have been brought closer to the second electromagnet 152. The second electromagnet 152 can then to more easily capture ferromagnetic particles 90 when it is electrically powered. This process can be applied step by step down to the last electromagnet 154.

[0119] Naturally, the present invention is subject to numerous variations in its implementation. Although several embodiments have been described, it is understood that it is not conceivable to exhaustively identify all possible embodiments. It is, of course, conceivable to replace a described means with an equivalent means without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Mechanical system (75) equipped with a housing (81) delimiting an internal environment capable of containing unwanted ferromagnetic particles (90), characterized in that the mechanical system (75) comprises a capture device (10) configured to clean this mechanical system of said unwanted ferromagnetic particles (90), the capture device (10) comprising at least one set of several electromagnets (15) activatable one after the other, said capture device (10) comprising an electrical unit (20) connected to the electromagnets (15) and electrically supplying them one after the other during a cleaning cycle.

2. Mechanical system according to claim 1, characterized in that each electromagnet (15) comprises an electrical coil (17) wound around a magnetic core (16).

3. Mechanical system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that said electrical unit (20) is configured to electrify said electromagnets (15) one after the other and step by step according to a pre-established sequence during said cleaning cycle.

4. Mechanical system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the electrical unit (20) comprises a wired power supply network (25) equipped with switches (31), each switch (31) being electrically connected to an associated electromagnet (15) and to an electrical power source (26), the electrical unit (20) comprising a power supply module (51) driving the switches (31).

5. Mechanical system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said capture device (10) comprises a support (40) carrying the electromagnets (15), said electrical unit (20) comprising a wired network (25) for power supply running along the support (40) and joining each electromagnet (15).

6. Mechanical system according to claim 5, characterized in that said support (40) comprises an electronic card (41) of the electrical unit (20).

7. Mechanical system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said capture device (10) comprises an inflatable balloon (60) for moving the electromagnets (15).

8. Mechanical system according to claims 5 and 7, characterized in that said balloon (60) is integral with the support (40).

9. Mechanical system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said electrical unit (20) is configured to electrically power said electromagnets (15), in inductive detector operating mode, said electrical unit (20) comprising an inductive module (52) for detecting a change in a magnetic field generated by each electromagnet (15).

10. Mechanical system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said capture device (10) comprises at least one actuator (65) moving said electromagnets (15) in translation, said actuator (65) being controlled by a displacement module (53) of the electrical unit (20), the displacement module (53) being synchronized with an electrical power supply module (51) of the electrical unit (20).

11. Mechanical system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said capture device (10) comprises a magnetic plug (70), a magnetic field exerted by this magnetic plug (70) encompassing the last electromagnet activated by the electrical unit (20) during said cleaning cycle.

12. Mechanical system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that said housing (81) comprises a base (82), said electromagnets (15) being integrated into the base (82).

13. A method for capturing unwanted ferromagnetic particles (90) within a mechanical system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising capturing particles by carrying out in a loop the following steps during a cleaning cycle: - supplying (STP1) electricity to an electromagnet (15, 151) to capture any ferromagnetic particles (90), - cutting off (STP2) the supply of electricity to said electromagnet, - supplying (STP3) electricity to another electromagnet (15, 152) located next to the electromagnet previously supplied electrically.

14. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that following said power supply to an electric- tromagnet to capture possible ferromagnetic particles (90), the process includes a displacement (F5) in a first direction and over an amplitude of all the electromagnets, then said cut and a displacement (F6) in a second direction opposite to the first direction and over said amplitude of all the electromagnets.

15. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 14, characterized in that at the end of said cleaning cycle, the method comprises a capture (STPF) of ferromagnetic particles (90) present at the last electrically powered electromagnet with a magnetic stopper (70).

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