SYSTEM FOR ATTACHING MACHINE EQUIPMENT TO A BASE INCLUDING AN ENERGY ABSORPTION MEANS

Abstract

A fastening system (4) for equipment (2) of a machine (1) on a base (3), comprising at least one support element (6) and at least one retention element (7), each positioned between the equipment (2) and the base (3), characterized in that said retention element (7) comprises at least one cable (8) configured to be partially tensioned between the equipment and the base and at least one energy-absorbing means (9) configured to dissipate a portion of the kinetic energy generated upon failure of the support element(s) (6) of the equipment (2). Figure for the abstract: Fig 1

Description

Title of the invention: SYSTEM FOR FIXING A MACHINE EQUIPMENT ON A BASE COMPRISING AN ENERGY ABSORPTION MEANS Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the retention of equipment of a system and particularly the retention of equipment of a system by a cable during the breakage of the support(s) connecting the equipment to the system.

[0002] The life cycle of an equipment retention cable contains three phases. The first phase is a standby phase, during which the supports located between the equipment and the system retain the equipment, thus the cable has no work to do.

[0003] The second phase is a so-called retention phase, during which, in the event of breakage of the equipment supports, the cable must absorb the energy produced by the equipment which becomes detached.

[0004] Finally, the third phase is a movement phase during which the cable leaves the equipment free to move under the effect of the fall and vibrations.

[0005] Today, the retention cables used are sufficiently loose and include provisioned slack to control the movement of the equipment after its supports have broken. The range of movement must therefore be well controlled, large enough to best absorb the kinetic energy produced by the detachment of the equipment, but limited enough to prevent the equipment from damaging surrounding parts.

[0006] Thus, the cable comprising slack during the waiting phase is not tensioned, which leads to several disadvantages. The absence of tension in the cable promotes wear, particularly at the connections between the cable and the structures of the system, and the integration of slack between the equipment and the casing of the system leads to a complex design of the structure.

[0007] In addition, the presence of slack in the retention cable increases the level of shock in the structure. When the equipment is detached from its supports, the cable gradually moves into a straight position and the slack helps dissipate some of the kinetic energy produced by the movement of detaching the equipment. However, when the cable is straight and has a high tension, the kinetic energy becomes complicated to absorb. Statement of the invention

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by limiting the risks of wear of the cable during the waiting phase and by limiting the intensity of the shock during the retention and movement phases.

[0009] The invention therefore relates to a system for fixing equipment of a machine to a base, comprising at least one support element and at least one retention element each positioned between the equipment and the base. Said retention element comprises at least one cable configured to be partially tensioned between the equipment and the base and at least one energy absorption means configured to dissipate part of the kinetic energy produced when the support element(s) of the equipment break.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the energy absorption means comprises a piston which comprises a fuse block, said piston making it possible to dissipate kinetic energy by compression of the fuse block upon rupture of the support element(s) of the equipment.

[0011] Optionally, the energy absorbing means comprises a piston which comprises a diaphragm which moves in a fluid and a spring, said piston allowing kinetic energy to be dissipated by displacement of the diaphragm in the fluid and compression of the spring upon rupture of the support element(s) of the equipment. The spring stores kinetic energy and can release it into the system. Upon release of the kinetic energy, the diaphragm moves back into the fluid and dissipates the remaining kinetic energy, or a portion of the remaining kinetic energy. If the spring still releases kinetic energy, these actions are repeated until the kinetic energy is fully dissipated.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the energy absorption means comprises a knot formed on the cable, making it possible to dissipate kinetic energy by friction produced by the tightening of the knot when the support element(s) of the equipment break.

[0013] Optionally, the energy absorption means comprises a textile pocket which makes it possible to store the slack in the cable and to dissipate kinetic energy by friction produced by the tearing of the textile pocket when the support element(s) of the equipment break.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the equipment is equipment of a turbomachine and the base is the casing of the fan of said turbomachine.

[0015] The invention also relates to a method for fixing equipment to a base by means of a fixing system as defined above, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: • during a first passive phase, maintaining the fixed equipment on the base by means of said at least one support element, the cable(s) of at least one retention element being partially tensioned, • during a second active phase, rupture of the support element(s) and progressive tension of the cable(s), the energy absorption means dissipating part of the kinetic energy. Brief description of the drawings

[0016] Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0017] - [Fig.l] is a schematic view of equipment connected to a machine by fixing systems;

[0018] - [Fig.2A] represents a schematic view of a first embodiment of a retention element of a fastening system;

[0019] - [Fig.2B] represents a schematic view of a first embodiment of a retention element of a fastening system;

[0020] - [Fig.2C] represents a schematic view of a first embodiment of a retention element of a fastening system;

[0021] - [Fig.3A] represents a schematic view of a second embodiment of a retention element of a fixing system;

[0022] - [Fig.3B] represents a schematic view of a second embodiment of a retention element of a fixing system;

[0023] - [Fig.4A] represents a schematic view of a third embodiment of a retention element of a fixing system;

[0024] - [Fig.4B] represents a schematic view of a third embodiment of a retention element of a fixing system;

[0025] - [Fig.5A] represents a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of a retention element of a fastening system; and

[0026] - [Fig.5B] represents a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of a retention element of a fastening system. Detailed description

[0027] In [Fig.l], a machine 1 is shown which comprises equipment 2, a base 3, a fixing system 4 positioned between the equipment 2 and the base 3, and a nacelle 5 which protects the entire machine 1.

[0028] Equipment 2 corresponds to any type of equipment retained on a machine 1 by a fixing system 4. Equipment 2 is, for example, the computer or the pump of a machine 1.

[0029] The base 3 is the part of the machine 1 on which the equipment 2 is positioned, held by means of a fixing system 4.

[0030] A fixing system 4 comprises at least one support element 6 and at least one retention element 7.

[0031] According to the embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the machine 1 is a turbomachine, the equipment 2 is equipment of the turbomachine, for example the computer of the turbomachine, and the base 3 is the casing of the fan of the turbomachine. According to this embodiment, the fixing system 4 comprises two support elements 6 and two retention elements 7.

[0032] Of course, it does not go beyond the scope of the invention when the machine 1 has a different composition.

[0033] A retention element 7 of a fixing system 4 comprises at least one cable 8 and at least one energy absorption means 9.

[0034] The cable 8 is configured to be partially tensioned between the equipment 2 and the base 3 in order to limit the wear that the cable 8 accumulates when it is not under tension. Indeed, the vibrations and movements due to the work of the machine 1 cause wear of the retention cable 8, in particular at the connections between the cable 8 and the structures of the machine 1.

[0035] The energy absorption means 9 is configured to dissipate part of the kinetic energy E produced during the rupture of the support element(s) 6 of the equipment 2. Indeed, when the support elements 6 no longer retain the equipment 2, the latter is violently projected onto the casing for example, producing kinetic energy E. The energy absorption means 9 present on the retention element 7 makes it possible to absorb part of this energy, in order to reduce the intensity of the shock in the structures of the machine 1.

[0036] Indeed, according to the following equation of the principle of forces:

[0037] F * AU = E (1)

[0038] with F the force,

[0039] The path taken, and

[0040] E the energy produced,

[0041] for a constant energy E, if the path traveled AU increases, the force F decreases.

[0042] The kinetic energy E is equal to:

[0043] E = Edef + Dissipated (2)

[0044] With Edef the deformation energy, and

[0045] Dissipated energy, particularly in heat via the destruction of fusible elements for example.

[0046] Now, Edef corresponds to the work of the tension force in the cable 8:

[0047] Edcf=|“* (3) Fc(u)*ôu

[0048] With Fc the tension force in the cable 8, and

[0049] u=max the maximum elongation of the cable 8.

[0050] With a constant energy Edef, and a low elongation u=max, the force Fc has a very high value.

[0051] Thus, increasing the distance over which the kinetic energy E is absorbed, and maximizing the dissipated energy Edissipée, makes it possible to reduce the deformation energy Edef of the equipment 2.

[0052] The cable 8 and the energy absorption means 9 can thus be configured according to different embodiments.

[0053] Figures 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate a first embodiment of the retention element 7. In this embodiment, the retention element 7 comprises a cable 8 and a piston chamber which comprises a fuse block 10. The piston is used as an energy absorption means 9 and dissipates kinetic energy by compressing the fuse block 10, when the support element(s) 6 of the equipment 2 break.

[0054] A piston chamber, for example perforated, in the form of a grid 11, as illustrated in [Fig.2A] can be used. In addition to the compression of the fuse block 10, its grid-shaped cutout makes it possible to dissipate kinetic energy. The fuse block 10 itself can be, for example, a block of silicone or nitrile.

[0055] According to a second embodiment shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the retention element 7 comprises a cable 8 and a piston chamber which comprises a diaphragm 12 moving in a fluid 13. The piston is used as an energy absorption means 9 and dissipates kinetic energy E by the movement of the diaphragm 12 in the fluid 13 when the support element(s) 6 of the equipment 2 break.

[0056] Optionally, the piston also includes a spring 14 positioned on the diaphragm 12, making it possible to dissipate more kinetic energy E.

[0057] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate a third embodiment in which the retention element 7 comprises a cable 8 comprising a loose knot 15. The knot 15 is used as an energy absorption means 9 and dissipates kinetic energy E by friction produced by the tightening of the knot 15 when the support element(s) 6 of the equipment 2 break.

[0058] Optionally, in this embodiment, a retention element 7 comprises several nodes 15 which tighten when the support element(s) 6 of the equipment 2 breaks, thus making it possible to dissipate more kinetic energy E.

[0059] According to a fourth embodiment represented by figures 5A and 5B, the retention element 7 comprises a cable 8 and a textile pocket 16. The textile pocket 16 surrounds a part 17 of the untensioned cable 8 thus allowing slack to be stored. The textile pocket 16 used as an energy absorption means 9 makes it possible to dissipate kinetic energy E by friction produced by the tearing of said textile pocket 16 during the rupture of the support element(s) 6 of the equipment 2.

[0060] Optionally, the textile pocket 16 can be sewn to the cable 8, thus preventing it from falling into the machine 1. Nevertheless, the damage that the fall of the textile pocket 16 into the structures of the machine 1 can cause is negligible.

[0061] The application also describes a method of fixing the equipment 2 on the base 3 of the machine 1 by means of at least one fixing system 4.

[0062] This process comprises a passive phase A and an active phase B.

[0063] During the first passive phase A, the equipment 2 is held fixed on the base 3 by means of at least one support element 6. The retention element 7 comprising a cable 8 and an energy absorption means 9 is not active during this phase because the equipment 2 is retained by the support element 6. During this phase, the cable 8 of the retention element 7 is configured to be partially tensioned in order to limit wear of said cable 8 when it is not tensioned.

[0064] During the second active phase B, the support element 6 breaks and is no longer able to keep the equipment 2 fixed on the base 3. The retention element 7 therefore becomes active and the cable 8 gradually becomes taut, and the energy absorption means 9 dissipate part of the kinetic energy E.

[0065] [Fig.2B] illustrates a passive phase A, during which the fuse block 10 is intact and the cable 8 is partially taut. There is therefore no wear on the cable 8, and the energy absorption means 9 is not active since the support element 6 holds the equipment 2 on the base 3.

[0066] During the active phase B, illustrated by [Fig.2C], the support element 6 breaks and is no longer able to hold the equipment 2 on the base 3. The cable 8 gradually tightens and the fuse block 10 is compressed, thus dissipating kinetic energy E.

[0067] [Fig.3A] illustrates a passive phase A, the support element 6 holds the equipment 2 on the base 3, the diaphragm 12 and the spring 14 are free in the fluid 13 and the cable 8 is partially tensioned.

[0068] During the active phase B, illustrated by [Fig.3B], the support element 6 breaks and the retention element 7 becomes active. The cable 8 gradually tightens and the spring 14 compresses, driving the diaphragm 12 into the fluid 13, thus dissipating part of the kinetic energy E.

[0069] During the passive phase A, as shown in [Fig.4A], the support element 6 holds the equipment 2 on the base 3, the knot 15 of the cable 8 is not tightened and the cable 8 is partially tensioned.

[0070] In [Fig.4B], representing the active phase B, the support element 6 is broken and the retention element 7 becomes active. The cable 8 gradually tightens and the knot 15 tightens. The friction produced during the tightening of the knot 15 makes it possible to dissipate kinetic energy E.

[0071] Finally, during the passive phase A, illustrated by [Fig.5A], the support element 6 holds the equipment 2 on the base 3, the cable 8 is partially taut and the textile pocket 16 is intact, retaining a part 17 of the cable 8 not taut.

[0072] During the active phase B, illustrated by [Fig.5B], the support element 6 breaks and the retention element 7 becomes active. The cable 8 gradually tightens and the textile pocket 16 tears, releasing the stored part 17 of the cable 8. The friction produced when the textile pocket 16 tears makes it possible to dissipate kinetic energy E.

[0073] These phases make it possible to limit the wear of the retention cables 8 in the structures of the machine 1 and make it possible to reduce the intensity of the shock produced by the detachment of the equipment 2 from the base 3 when the support element 6 breaks. The damage created by equipment 2 detached from the base 3 is thus avoided or greatly limited.

Claims

Claims

1. System (4) for fixing equipment (2) of a turbomachine (1) on a base (3), comprising at least one support element (6) and at least one retention element (7) each positioned between the equipment (2) and the base (3), characterized in that said retention element (7) comprises at least one cable (8) configured to be partially tensioned between the equipment and the base and at least one energy absorption means (9) configured to dissipate part of the kinetic energy (E) produced during the rupture of the support element(s) (6) of the equipment (2), the base of the equipment being the casing of the fan of the turbomachine.

2. A fixing system (4) for equipment (2) according to claim 1, wherein the energy absorbing means (9) comprises a piston which comprises a fuse block (10), said piston making it possible to dissipate kinetic energy (E) by compression of the fuse block (10) upon rupture of the support element(s) (6) of the equipment (2).

3. A system (4) for securing equipment (2) according to claim 1, wherein the energy absorbing means (9) comprises a piston which comprises a diaphragm (12) which moves in a fluid (13) and a spring (14), said piston making it possible to dissipate kinetic energy (E) by moving the diaphragm (12) in the fluid (13) and compressing the spring (14) upon breaking of the support element(s) (6) of the equipment (2).

4. A system (4) for attaching equipment (2) according to claim 1, in which the energy absorption means (9) comprises a knot (15) formed on the cable (8) making it possible to dissipate kinetic energy (E) by friction produced by the tightening of the knot (15) upon breaking of the support element(s) (6) of the equipment (2).

5. Fixing system (4) for equipment (2) according to claim 1, in which the energy absorption means (9) comprises a textile pocket (16) which makes it possible to store the slack in the cable (8) and to dissipate kinetic energy (E) by friction produced by the tearing of the textile pocket (16) when the support element(s) (6) of the equipment (2) breaks.

6. Fixing system (4) for equipment (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the equipment (2) is a

7. equipment of a turbomachine and the base (3) is the casing of the fan of said turbomachine. Method for fixing equipment (2) to a base (3) by means of a fixing system (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: • during a first passive phase (A), holding the equipment (2) fixed on the base (3) by means of said at least one support element (6), the cable(s) (8) of at least one retention element (7) being partially tensioned, • during a second active phase (B), rupture of the support element(s) (6) and progressive tension of the cable(s) (8), the energy absorption means (9) dissipating part of the kinetic energy (E).

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