ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A RETAINING ELEMENT FOR A FUNCTIONAL PART OF AN ENGINE

Abstract

TITLE: ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A RETAINING ELEMENT FOR A FUNCTIONAL PART OF AN ENGINE Assembly (100) comprising: functional parts (110) of an engine, at least one fastening part (120) of the engine, and at least one retaining element (200) removable between a detached position and an attached position, the retaining element (200) connecting one of the functional parts (110) to one of the fastening parts (120) of the engine in the attached position of the retaining element (200), The retaining element (200) comprises: a polymer clamping tab (210) comprising at least one through-hole (220), and a metal pin (230) overmolded in the retaining element (200) and comprising a base (232), a locking head (236) and a rod (234) connecting the base (232) to the locking head (236), the rod (234) of the pin (230) being received in the through hole (220) in the attached position of the retaining element (200). Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: ASSEMBLY COMPRISING AN ELEMENT FOR RETAINING A FUNCTIONAL PART OF A ENGINE TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of engines and more particularly to aircraft engines.

[0002] The present invention relates to an assembly comprising an element for retaining a functional part of an engine. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] An engine includes functional parts such as connecting rods, harnesses and pipes and retaining elements for the functional parts. The retaining elements are configured to hold the functional parts in position during operation of the engine or during testing of the engine, phases during which the functional parts are subject to significant vibrations.

[0004] Conventionally, the retaining means are tensioned brake wires connecting the functional part to be held to a fixing part of the engine. The installation of the brake wires consists of twisting each brake wire one by one by an operator using specific pliers. This operation is long and complex. For example, the installation of the brake wires for three connecting rods, two pipes and two harnesses requires a duration of approximately thirty minutes. In addition, for the case of a connecting rod, two brake wires are necessary and they must be arranged diametrically opposite one another to block the connecting rod. Consequently, such a retaining means is complex and requires a significantly long installation time. Summary of the invention

[0005] The invention provides a solution to the problems mentioned above, by proposing an assembly comprising an element for retaining a functional part of an engine relative to a fixing part of the engine, the retaining element having a particular geometry.

[0006] A first aspect of the invention relates to an assembly comprising: - functional parts of an engine, - at least one engine attachment part, and - at least one retaining element removable between a detached position and an attached position, the retaining element connecting one of the functional parts to one of the engine attachment parts in the attached position of the retaining element.

[0007] The retaining element comprises: - a polymer clamping tab comprising at least one through hole, and - a metal pin overmolded in the retaining element and comprising a base, a locking head and a rod connecting the base to the locking head, the rod of the pin being received in the through hole in the attached position of the retaining element.

[0008] The assembly according to the invention makes it possible, thanks to the presence of a removable retaining element, to maintain the functional parts in position relative to the engine fixing parts. The combination of a clamping tab and a pin makes it possible to obtain a clamping tab whose installation is very simple. Indeed, the transition from the detached position to the attached position of the retaining element only requires the introduction of the head and then the stem of the metal pin into the through hole of the polymer clamping tab. Consequently, this makes it possible to reduce the time required to install the retaining element around the functional parts and to fix the assembly, compared to a retaining element of the state of the art, of the lock wire type. In addition, the use of metal to produce the pin makes it possible to obtain a pin resistant to high temperatures and to the various mechanical stresses to which it is subjected.

[0009] According to a first embodiment of the retaining element, the base of the pin of the retaining element is overmolded in the clamping tab. Such a feature makes it possible to hold the pin in position in the clamping tab.

[0010] Advantageously, according to the first embodiment of the retaining element, the clamping tab of the retaining element extends between a first end and a second end and is divided into: - a first portion comprising the first end and in which the base of the pin is overmolded, - a second portion comprising the second end and in which the through hole is arranged, and - a central portion connecting the first portion to the second portion.

[0011] According to a second embodiment of the retaining element, the retaining element comprises a hollow protective shell encompassing at least a portion of a functional part, the protective shell being made of the same polymer as that of the clamping tab, the clamping tab being integral with the protective shell and the rod of the pin being overmolded in the protective shell. Such a feature makes it possible to protect the functional part while maintaining it in position relative to a fixing part of the engine.

[0012] Advantageously, according to the second embodiment of the retaining element, the clamping tab of the retaining element extends between a first end and a second end and is divided into: - a first portion comprising the first end connected to the protective shell, and - a second portion comprising the second end and in which the through hole is arranged.

[0013] Preferably, according to the second embodiment of the retaining element, the protective shell of the retaining element comprises a first face and a second face opposite one another according to which: the pin is arranged on the first face and the clamping tab is arranged on the second face.

[0014] Advantageously, according to a variant of the retaining element according to the first and second embodiments, it comprises a polymer boss surrounding a portion of the shank of the pin and arranged opposite the base of the pin. More particularly, according to the first embodiment of the retaining element, the boss extends from the first portion of the clamping tab, and according to the second embodiment of the retaining element, the boss extends from the protective shell. Such a feature makes it possible to reinforce the retention of the pin in the polymer of the clamping tab or in the polymer of the protective shell.

[0015] Advantageously, the polymer is a silicone or a polyurethane. The use of silicone makes it possible to obtain a polymer that is sufficiently deformable for its placement around a functional part and a fixing part and to allow the pin to pass through the through hole, all while obtaining a solid part that withstands the various mechanical stresses to which it is subjected during operation of the engine. Silicone withstands maximum temperatures of 200°C and polyurethane a maximum of 80°C.

[0016] Preferably, the polymer has a Shore A hardness of between 60 and 95, preferably greater than or equal to 80. Such a characteristic makes it possible to obtain a silicone that is sufficiently resistant to the various mechanical stresses such as vibrations experienced during engine operation.

[0017] Advantageously, the silicone is a silicone resistant to very high temperatures, called THT silicone, i.e. resistant to maximum temperatures of 250°.

[0018] Preferably, the pin of the retaining element is made of aluminum. The use of aluminum makes it possible to obtain a pin that is very resistant to very high temperatures and to the various mechanical stresses to which it is subjected during operation of the engine.

[0019] Preferably, the clamping tab of the retaining element according to the first and second embodiments comprises several through holes distributed in the second portion of the clamping tab. Such a characteristic makes it possible to obtain multiple adjustment positions of the clamping tab, as many adjustment positions as there are through holes.

[0020] Advantageously, the functional part is a connecting rod or a pipe or a harness.

[0021] Preferably, according to the second embodiment of the retaining element, at least one of the functional parts is a connecting rod, and at least a portion of the connecting rod is received in the protective shell of the retaining element by an inlet of the protective shell. Such a feature allows the introduction of the connecting rod inside the protective shell and ensures the protection of the connecting rod.

[0022] A second aspect relates to a method of manufacturing an assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, according to which the manufacturing of the retaining element according to the first and second embodiments comprises a step of placing the base of the pin in an aluminum mold followed by a step of injecting polymer into the mold until the assembly is produced.

[0023] The injection step of the method for manufacturing the retaining element according to the first embodiment comprises overmolding the base of the pin in the clamping tab.

[0024] The injection step of the method for manufacturing the retaining element according to the second embodiment comprises overmolding the base of the pin in the protective shell.

[0025] Advantageously, according to a variant of the retaining element according to the first and second embodiments, the injection step comprises overmolding a part of the rod of the pin opposite the base of the pin.

[0026] The invention and its various applications will be better understood upon reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0027] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on reading the following description, illustrated by the figures in which: - [Fig. 1] is a partial schematic perspective view of an assembly comprising a retaining element connecting a functional part of an engine to a fixing part of the engine, according to a first embodiment of the retaining element, in the attached position of the retaining element; - [Fig.2] is a schematic side view of the retaining element according to the first embodiment, in the detached position; - [Fig.3] is a schematic side view of the retained element according to a variant of the first embodiment, in the detached position; - [Fig.4] is a schematic side view of the retaining element according to the first embodiment, in attached position; - [Fig.5] is a partial schematic sectional view of an assembly comprising the retaining element according to a second embodiment connecting a functional part to a fixing part of the engine, in the attached position of the retaining element; - [Fig.6] is a schematic front view of the retaining element according to a variant of the second embodiment, in the detached position; - [Fig.7] is a schematic perspective view of a retaining element according to a second embodiment, in the attached position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Two exemplary embodiments of a turbine assembly according to the invention are described in detail below, with reference to the attached drawings. This example illustrates the characteristics and advantages of the invention.

[0029] Unless otherwise specified, the same element appearing in different figures has a single reference.

[0030] As illustrated in the figures, the invention relates to an assembly 100 comprising functional parts 110 of an engine, at least one fixing part 120 of an engine and at least one removable retaining element 200, 200' connecting one of the functional parts 110 to the fixing part 120.

[0031] [Fig. 1] represents an assembly 100 comprising a functional part 110 in the form of a pipe and the retaining element 200 according to the first embodiment (represented alone in FIGS. 2 to 4).

[0032] [Fig. 5] represents an assembly 100 comprising a functional part 110 in the form of a connecting rod and the retaining element 200' according to the second embodiment (represented alone in FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0033] The retaining element 200 according to the first and second embodiments is removable between a detached position, as shown in Figures 2, 3, and 6, and an attached position, as shown in Figures 1, 4, 5 and 7.

[0034] The retaining element 200, 200' according to the first and second embodiments comprises a polymer clamping tab 210, 210' comprising several through holes 220 and a metal pin 230 overmolded in the retaining element 200, 200'.

[0035] The clamping tab 210, 210' of the retaining element 200, 200' according to the first and second embodiments extends between a first end 210A and a second end 210B and comprises an inner face 212 and an outer face 214 opposite each other.

[0036] The polymer used may be a silicone. Advantageously, the silicone has a Shore A hardness greater than or equal to 80. In addition, the silicone is a silicone resistant to very high temperatures, called THT silicone, i.e. resistant to temperatures greater than or equal to 200°C.

[0037] The pin 230 of the retaining element 200, 200' according to the first and second embodiments comprises a base 232, a locking head 236 and a rod 234 connecting the base 232 to the locking head 236.

[0038] Advantageously, the pin 230 of the retaining element 200, 200' is made of aluminum.

[0039] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the clamping tab 210 of the retaining element 200 according to the first embodiment is divided into: - a first portion 216 comprising the first end 210A and in which the base 232 of the pin 230 is overmolded, from the external face 214 of the clamping tab 210, - a second portion 218 comprising the second end 210B and in which the through holes 220 are arranged, their number being between 1 and 10, and - a central portion 217 connecting the first portion 216 to the second portion 218.

[0040] According to a variant of the retaining element 200 according to the first embodiment as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the retaining element 200 comprises a polymer boss 222 extending from the clamping tab 210, from its external face 214. The boss 222 surrounds a portion of the rod 234 of the pin 230 and is arranged opposite the base 232 of the pin 230.

[0041] In the attached position of the retaining element 200, as shown in [Fig. 1], the rod 234 of the pin 230 is received in the through hole 220 of the clamping tab 210 so that the locking head 236 is arranged opposite the external face 214 of the second portion 218 of the clamping tab 210. More particularly, the through hole 220 in which the rod 234 of the pin is inserted is arranged between the base 232 and the locking head 236 of the pin 230. In addition, the external face 214 of the first portion 216 is arranged opposite the internal face 212 of the second portion 218 of the clamping tab 210, here they are in contact with each other.

[0042] In the attached and mounted position of the retaining element 200 in the assembly 100, as shown in [Fig.l], the clamping tab 210 surrounds a portion of the pipe corresponding to the functional part 110 and passes through a loop corresponding to the fixing part 120 of the assembly 100 so as to hold the pipe in position relative to the loop.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the retaining element 200' according to the second embodiment further comprises a hollow protective shell 250 secured to the clamping tab 210' and on which the base 232 of the pin 230 is overmolded. protective shell 250 is made of the same polymer as that of the tightening tab 210'.

[0044] The protective shell 250 and the tightening tab 210' are made of the same material and in a single piece.

[0045] As shown in [Fig.5], the protective shell 250 is configured to encompass at least a portion of a functional part 110, here a connecting rod.

[0046] As shown in [Fig.6], the clamping tab 210' of the retaining element 200' according to the second embodiment is divided into: - a first portion 216 comprising the first end 210A which is connected to the protective shell 250, and - a second portion 218 comprising the second end 210B and in which the through holes 220 are arranged.

[0047] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the protective shell 250 of the retaining element 200' comprises a first face 252 and a second face 254 opposite each other. According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the pin 230 is arranged on the first face 252 and the clamping tab 210' is arranged on the second face 254. According to another exemplary embodiment not shown, the pin 230 and the clamping tab 210' are on the same of the first or second faces 252, 254.

[0048] The protective shell 250 further comprises an inlet 256 arranged at one of its ends.

[0049] According to a variant of the retaining element 200' according to the second embodiment as illustrated in [Fig.6], the retaining element 200' comprises a polymer boss 222 extending from the protective shell 250. The boss 222 surrounds a portion of the rod 234 of the pin 230 and is arranged opposite the base 232 of the pin 230.

[0050] In the attached position of the retaining element 200', as shown in [Fig.7], the rod 234 of the pin 230 arranged on the protective shell 250 is received in the through hole 220 of the clamping tab 210' so that the locking head 236 is arranged opposite the external face 212 of the second portion 218 of the clamping tab 210'. More particularly, the through hole 220 in which the rod 234 of the pin is inserted is arranged between the protective shell 250 and the locking head 236 of the pin 230. In addition, the internal face 212 of the second portion 218 of the clamping tab 210 is arranged opposite the protective shell 250, here they are in contact with each other.

[0051] In the attached and mounted position of the retaining element 200' in the assembly 100, as shown in [Fig. 5], the link is inserted into the protective shell 250 through the inlet 256 and the clamping tab 210 passes through a loop corresponding to the fixing part 120 of the assembly 100 so as to hold the link in position

[0052]

[0053]

[0054]

[0055]

[0056] relative to the loop and to protect the connecting rod. The method of manufacturing the assembly 100 comprises a step of manufacturing the retaining element 200, 200'. The manufacture of the retaining element 200 according to the first embodiment comprises the following steps: - placing the base 232 of the pin 230 in an aluminum mold, and - injecting a quantity of polymer, here silicone, into the aluminum mold until the clamping tab 210 is produced. The manufacture of the retaining element 200' according to the second embodiment comprises the following steps: - placing the base 232 of the pin 230 in an aluminum mold, and - injecting a quantity of polymer, here silicone, into the aluminum mold until the protective shell 250 is produced with the preset pin 230, - second injection of a quantity of polymer, here silicone, into a second mold until the tightening tab 210' is completely produced, - gluing the tightening tab 210 onto the protective shell 250. The polymer used for the molding step is the same as that used for the overmolding step of the manufacturing processes of the retaining elements 200, 200' according to the first and second embodiments. The methods for manufacturing the retaining elements 200, 200' according to the first and second embodiments, the aluminum mold may include the shape of the boss, which makes it possible to produce the boss 222 of the clamping tab 210, 210' during the injection step.

Claims

Claims

1. Assembly (100) comprising: - functional parts (110) of an engine, - at least one fixing part (120) of the engine, and - at least one retaining element (200, 200') removable between a detached position and an attached position, the retaining element (200, 200') connecting one of the functional parts (110) to one of the fixing parts (120) of the engine in the attached position of the retaining element (200, 200'), - characterized in that the retaining element (200, 200') comprises: - a polymer clamping tab (210, 210') comprising at least one through-hole (220), and - a metal pin (230) overmolded in the retaining element (200, 200') and comprising a base (232), a locking head (236) and a rod (234) connecting the base (232) to the locking head (236), the rod (234) of the pin (230) being received in at least one of the through holes (220) in the attached position of the retaining element (200, 200').

2. Assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the base (232) of the pin (230) of the retaining element (200) is overmolded in the clamping tab (210).

3. Assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: - the retaining element (200') comprises a hollow protective shell (250) encompassing at least part of a functional part (110), the protective shell (250) being in the same polymer as that of the clamping tab (210'), - the clamping tab (210') being integral with the protective shell (250) and the rod (234) of the pin (230) being overmolded in the protective shell (250).

4. Assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining element (200, 200') comprises a polymer boss (222) surrounding a portion of the rod (234) of the pin (230) and arranged opposite the base (232) of the pin (230).

5. Assembly (100) any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the polymer is a silicone and / or a polyurethane.

6. Assembly (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the polymer has a Shore A hardness of between 60 and 95, preferably greater than or equal to 80.

7. Assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pin (230) of the retaining element (200, 200') is made of aluminum.

8. Assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the functional part (110) is a connecting rod or a pipe or a harness.

9. Method of manufacturing an assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, according to which the manufacturing of the retaining element (200, 200') comprises a step of placing the base (232) of the pin (230) in an aluminum mold followed by a step of injecting polymer into the mold until the assembly is produced.

10. Manufacturing method according to claim 9 in combination with claim 2, characterized in that the injection step comprises overmolding the base (232) of the pin (230) in the clamping tab (210) of the retaining element (200).

11. Manufacturing method according to claim 9 in combination with claim 3, characterized in that the injection step comprises overmolding the base (232) of the pin (230) in the protective shell (250) of the retaining element (200').

12. Manufacturing method according to claim 9 in combination with claim 4, characterized in that the injection step comprises overmolding a part of the rod (234) of the pin (230) opposite the base (232) of the pin (230).

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