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 COMPONENT ON A BASE INCLUDING AN ENERGY ABSORPTION MEANS technical field

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

[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, the cable thus having no work to perform.

[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 comes loose.

[0004] Finally, the third phase is a deflection phase during which the cable allows the equipment to move freely under the effect of the fall and vibrations.

[0005] Today, the retention cables used are sufficiently loose and include slack provided to control the movement of the equipment after its supports break. The amplitude of the 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, which has slack during the waiting phase, is not under tension, which leads to several drawbacks. The lack of tension in the cable promotes wear, particularly at the connections between the cable and the system structures, and the integration of the slack between the equipment and the system housing results in a complex structural design.

[0007] Furthermore, the presence of slack in the retaining cable increases the level of shock in the structure. When the equipment is detached from its supports, the cable gradually straightens, and the slack helps to dissipate some of the kinetic energy produced by the detachment movement. However, when the cable is straight and under high tension, the kinetic energy becomes difficult to absorb. Description of the invention

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by limiting the risks of cable wear 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 attaching 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. The retention element comprises at least one cable configured to be partially taut between the equipment and the base and at least one energy-absorbing means configured to dissipate a portion of the kinetic energy generated during the failure of the equipment's support element(s).

[0010] According to one embodiment, the energy absorption means includes a piston which includes a fusible block, said piston allowing kinetic energy to be dissipated by compression of the fusible block when the support element(s) of the equipment break.

[0011] Optionally, the energy absorption means includes a piston comprising a diaphragm that moves in a fluid and a spring, said piston dissipating kinetic energy by moving the diaphragm in the fluid and compressing the spring upon rupture of the equipment's support element(s). The spring stores kinetic energy and can release it back into the system. Upon release of kinetic energy, the diaphragm moves again in the fluid and dissipates the remaining kinetic energy, or a portion thereof. If the spring releases further kinetic energy, these actions are repeated until the kinetic energy is completely dissipated.

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

[0013] Optionally, the energy absorption means includes a textile pocket which allows the slack in the cable to be stored and kinetic energy to be dissipated 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 a piece of equipment of a turbomachine and the base is the casing of the blower of said turbomachine.

[0015] The invention also relates to a method of fixing equipment to a base by means of a fixing system as defined above, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: • during an initial passive phase, securing the equipment to the base by means of at least one support element, with 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(s) dissipating part of the kinetic energy. Brief description of the drawings

[0016] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0017] - Fig. 1 is a schematic view of equipment connected to a machine by fastening systems;

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

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

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

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

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

[0023] - Figure 4A represents a schematic view of a third embodiment of a retention element of a fastening system;

[0024] - Figure 4B represents a schematic view of a third embodiment of a retention element of a fastening system;

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

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

[0027] In [Fig.1], a machine 1 is shown which includes equipment 2, a base 3, a fastening system 4 positioned between equipment 2 and base 3, and a platform 5 which protects the entire machine 1.

[0028] Equipment 2 corresponds to any type of equipment retained on a machine 1 by a fastening 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 and held in place by means of a fastening system 4.

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

[0031] According to the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], machine 1 is a turbomachine, equipment 2 is equipment of the turbomachine, for example the turbomachine control unit, and base 3 is the turbomachine fan housing. According to this embodiment, the mounting system 4 comprises two support elements 6 and two retaining elements 7.

[0032] Of course, we do not depart from the scope of the invention when the machine 1 has a different composition.

[0033] A retention element 7 of a fastening system 4 comprises at least one cable 8 and at least one energy-absorbing 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 accumulates on the cable 8 when it is not under tension. Indeed, the vibrations and movements due to the operation of the machine 1 cause wear on the retention cable 8, particularly at the connections between the cable 8 and the structures of the machine 1.

[0035] The energy absorption means 9 is configured to dissipate a portion 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 hold the equipment 2, it is violently projected onto the casing, for example, producing kinetic energy E. The energy absorption means 9 present on the retention element 7 allows for the absorption of a portion of this energy, in order to reduce the intensity of the impact on 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] AU the distance traveled, 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 + Edissipated (2)

[0044] With Edef the deformation energy, and

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

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

[0047] Edcf=|“* (3) Fc(u)*ôu

[0048] With Fc the tensile force in 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 includes a fusible block 10. The piston is used as an energy absorption means 9 and dissipates kinetic energy by compressing the fusible block 10, when the support element(s) 6 of the equipment 2 break.

[0054] A piston chamber, for example, with perforations in the form of a grid 11, as illustrated in [Fig. 2A], can be used. In addition to compressing the fusible block 10, its grid-like cutout allows for the dissipation of kinetic energy. The fusible block 10 itself can be, for example, a block of silicone or nitrile.

[0055] According to a second embodiment represented by Figures 3A and 3B, the retention element 7 comprises a cable 8 and a piston chamber which includes 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, allowing more kinetic energy E to be dissipated.

[0057] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate a third embodiment in which the retention element 7 comprises a cable 8 including an untightened knot 15. The knot 15 is used as an energy absorption means 9 and dissipates kinetic energy E through 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 has several nodes 15 which tighten when the support element(s) 6 of the equipment 2 breaks, thus allowing more kinetic energy E to be dissipated.

[0059] According to a fourth embodiment shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the retention element 7 comprises a cable 8 and a textile pocket 16. The textile pocket 16 surrounds a portion 17 of the unstretched cable 8 thus allowing slack to be stored. The textile pocket 16 used as an energy absorption means 9 allows kinetic energy E to dissipate through friction produced by the tearing of said textile pocket 16 during the breakage 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. However, the damage that the textile pocket 16 may cause to the structures of the machine 1 is negligible.

[0061] The application also describes a method of fixing the equipment 2 to 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 on 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 hold the equipment 2 fixed on the base 3. The retention element 7 therefore becomes active and the cable 8 gradually tightens, and the energy absorption means 9 dissipates part of the kinetic energy E.

[0065] Figure 2B illustrates a passive phase A, during which the fuse block 10 is intact and the cable 8 is partially taut. Therefore, there is no wear on the cable 8, and the energy-absorbing 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 becomes taut 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, drawing the diaphragm 12 into the fluid 13, thus dissipating some 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 dissipates 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 tensioned and the textile pocket 16 is intact, retaining a part 17 of the untensioned cable 8.

[0072] During the active phase B, illustrated in [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 portion 17 of the cable 8. The friction generated during the tearing of the textile pocket 16 dissipates 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 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

Demands

1. A fastening system (4) for 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-absorbing means (9) configured to dissipate a portion 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 fan casing of the turbomachine.

2. A fastening system (4) for equipment (2) according to claim 1, wherein the energy absorption means (9) comprises a piston which includes a fusible block (10), said piston dissipating kinetic energy (E) by compressing the fusible block (10) upon rupture of the support element(s) (6) of the equipment (2).

3. A fastening system (4) for equipment (2) according to claim 1, wherein the energy absorption means (9) comprises a piston which includes a diaphragm (12) which moves in a fluid (13) and a spring (14), said piston dissipating kinetic energy (E) by movement of the diaphragm (12) in the fluid (13) and compression of the spring (14) upon rupture of the support element(s) (6) of the equipment (2).

4. A fastening system (4) for equipment (2) according to claim 1, wherein the energy absorption means (9) comprises a knot (15) formed on the cable (8) allowing the dissipation of kinetic energy (E) by friction produced by the tightening of the knot (15) when the support element(s) (6) of the equipment (2) breaks.

5. A fastening system (4) for equipment (2) according to claim 1, wherein the energy absorption means (9) comprises a textile pocket (16) which allows the slack in the cable (8) to be stored and kinetic energy (E) to be dissipated by friction produced by the tearing of the textile pocket (16) when the support element(s) (6) of the equipment (2) breaks.

6. A fastening system (4) for equipment (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the equipment (2) is a

7. equipment of a turbomachine and the base (3) is the casing of the blower of said turbomachine. Method of fixing equipment (2) onto 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), maintaining 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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