Protective cover for an electrical junction for an aircraft turbomachine and associated method

Abstract

A protective cover (4) for at least one electrical junction (J) configured for mounting in an aircraft turbomachine, the protective cover (4) comprising a base (41) and a concave shell (42) comprising at least a first opening (61) and a second opening (62) such as to permit the introduction of an electrically insulating product through the first opening (61), the second opening (62) forming a vent. Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Protective cover for an electrical junction for an aircraft turbomachine and associated method technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of instrumentation of a turbomachine for carrying out tests.

[0002] As is known, when a turbomachine is modified or improved, it is necessary to carry out tests to verify its operation. For this purpose, it is known to position sensors within the turbomachine to measure the values ​​of its parameters (speed, pressure, temperature, etc.). The sensors are connected to one or more computers by a plurality of electrical connections. In practice, an electrical connection may include an electrical junction linking one measuring wire to another measuring wire or to an electrical terminal, in particular, on a wall of the turbomachine.

[0003] In practice, an electrical junction is vulnerable to the turbomachine environment during operation (vibrations, temperature, etc.). To protect the electrical junction, it is known to provide a protective cover that encloses it, the cover being attached to a wall of the turbomachine. In practice, to protect an electrical junction, it is first coated with an electrically insulating material. Then, the protective cover is positioned over the insulating-coated electrical junction, and the cover is then welded directly to the turbomachine wall.

[0004] In practice, the protective cover is made by hand by an operator from a thin metal sheet, for example, from a piece of shim stock. Because the protective covers are made by hand, they are not identical, which can lead to difficulties during positioning and welding. Furthermore, the protective covers may exhibit different behaviors during testing, which is a drawback. In addition, due to their handcrafted nature and varied shapes, it is impossible for an operator to precisely control the placement of the insulating material. Consequently, the quality of the filling is highly dependent on the operators' experience and can lead to electrical insulation defects.

[0005] The invention thus aims to eliminate at least some of these drawbacks. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention relates to a protective cover for at least one electrical junction configured to be mounted in an aircraft turbomachine, the protective cover comprising: • a base configured to be attached to a wall of the aircraft turbomachine, and • a concave enclosure configured to protect the electrical junction, • the concave envelope being connected to an edge of the base by at least one guide channel configured to receive at least one measuring wire, • The concave envelope comprising at least a first opening and a second opening so as to allow the introduction of an insulating product against electricity through the first opening, the second opening forming a vent.

[0007] Thanks to the invention, the protective cover is standardized and allows for the reliable housing of the electrical junction and the measuring wires. The presence of two openings allows for a watertight filling of the concave casing, thus ensuring optimal electrical insulation. The management of electrical junctions can therefore be standardized, making it possible to anticipate the influence of the protective covers during turbomachine testing. The presence of a base for securing the protective cover improves its attachment to the turbomachine wall.

[0008] Preferably, the guide channel is configured to receive at least two measuring wires in order to connect them electrically together.

[0009] According to one aspect, the protective cover is in the form of a single-piece body. Such a body is easy to handle and allows for industrial manufacturing.

[0010] According to one aspect, the protective cover is metallic.

[0011] In one aspect, the base includes at least one reference notch. In another aspect, the base includes at least two reference notches, preferably three reference notches. This facilitates the positioning of the protective cover on the electrical junction(s).

[0012] According to one aspect, the edge, into which the guide channel opens, includes at least a reinforced portion. This makes it possible to strengthen the guide channel while limiting the risk of damage to the measuring wires that protrude from said edge.

[0013] According to one aspect, the base has a flat fixing surface to allow for robust fastening.

[0014] According to one aspect, the base has a fixing surface having a shape complementary to the wall of the turbomachine. This promotes a tight and robust seal.

[0015] The invention also relates to an aircraft turbomachine comprising at least one electrical junction between at least one electrical component and at least one measuring wire, the electrical junction being protected by a protective hood as previously described, the electrical junction being housed in the concave envelope of the protective hood filled with an electrically insulating product, the measuring wire being housed in the guide channel of the protective hood.

[0016] Preferably, the electrical component is also a measuring wire.

[0017] The invention also relates to a method for protecting at least one junction electrical connection between at least one electrical component and at least one measuring wire in an aircraft turbomachine, the method comprising steps consisting of: • Secure the base of a protective cover as previously described to a wall of the aircraft turbomachine, with the electrical connection protected within the concave casing of the protective cover, and the measuring wire received in the guide channel of the protective cover and • Introduce an electrically insulating product into the concave envelope of the protective cover through the first opening, the second opening forming a vent.

[0018] According to one aspect, the base comprising at least one reference notch, the method includes a step of centering the base of the protective cover on the electrical junction by means of at least one reference notch. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0019] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given by way of example, and referring to the following figures, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which identical references are given to similar objects.

[0020] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation seen in longitudinal section of a protective cover according to an embodiment of the invention on an electrical junction.

[0021] Fig. 2 is a schematic top view representation of the protective cover of Fig. 1.

[0022] The [Fig.3] is a schematic top view representation of a protective cover according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0023] Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective representation of the protective cover of Fig. 3.

[0024] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an electrical junction before the positioning of the protective cover.

[0025] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of the positioning of the protective cover on the electrical junction.

[0026] Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of the filling of the protective cover with an insulating product.

[0027] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures being of course able to serve to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] With reference to Figures 1 to 7, a protective cover 4 for an electrical junction of an aircraft turbomachine will be presented. As previously mentioned, when a turbomachine is modified or improved, it is necessary to carry out tests to verify its operation. For this purpose, it is known to position sensors in the turbomachine to measure turbomachine parameter values ​​(speed, pressure, temperature, etc.). The sensors are connected to one or more computers by a plurality of electrical connections. In practice, an electrical connection may include an electrical junction linking one measuring wire to another measuring wire or to an electrical terminal, in particular, on a wall of the turbomachine.

[0029] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, electrical junctions J are shown between at least one electrical component, in particular a sensor 2, and measuring wires 3A, 3B in an aircraft turbomachine. A protective cover 4 is shown protecting two electrical junctions J, but it is understood that their number could be different. Similarly, an electrical junction J can be made for different electrical components, for example, a terminal of a sensor 2, another measuring wire, etc. Such a protective cover 4 is particularly suitable for instrumenting a turbomachine during testing.

[0030] It goes without saying that a junction could also be made only between two measuring wires 3A, 3B.

[0031] With reference to Figures 1 to 2, a protective cover 4 is schematically shown according to one embodiment of the invention in the mounted position. Figures 3 and 4 show another embodiment of the protective cover 4.

[0032] The protective cover 4 includes a base 41 configured to be attached to a wall 1 of the aircraft turbomachine, and a concave envelope 42 configured to protect the electrical junction J. A concave envelope 42 has a hollow surface and delimits a housing to receive the electrical junction J.

[0033] The concave envelope 42 is here connected to an edge 40 of the base 41 by at least one guide channel 43 configured to receive at least one measuring wire 3A, 3B. The guide channel 43 has a cross-section suitable for allowing the passage of a plurality of measuring wires 3A, 3B. In figures 1, 2, the guide channel 43 houses two measuring wires 3A, 3B but it goes without saying that their number could be different.

[0034] In one aspect, the protective cover 4 is a single-piece unit, which facilitates handling. Preferably, the protective cover 4 is metallic, but it could also be made of plastic. The protective cover 4 can be manufactured in various ways, in particular by stamping, molding, 3D printing, sintering, machining from a solid block, or other methods.

[0035] Preferably, the base 41 has a flat mounting surface for stable cooperation with a turbomachine wall 1 (which is flat). Preferably, the mounting surface of the base 41 has a shape complementary to the turbomachine wall 1 to which it is attached (this wall having, for example, a flat or curved surface).

[0036] Preferably, the base 41 extends peripherally around the concave casing 42 to allow for a stable and robust attachment of the protective cover to the periphery of the electrical junctions J. Preferably, the base 41 is configured to be welded to the turbomachine wall 1. According to one aspect of the invention, the base 41 has an overall rectangular shape. With reference to Figures 1 to 4, the concave casing 42 is centered with respect to the base 41 to promote a stable attachment.

[0037] With reference to figures 3 and 4, the concave envelope 42 has an oblong section extending along an axis XL. Preferably, the guide channel 43 extends along said axis XI in the continuation of the concave envelope 42. It goes without saying that the concave envelope 42 could have another shape (square, rectangular, etc.).

[0038] According to the invention, the concave envelope 42 comprises at least a first opening 61 and a second opening 62 so as to allow the introduction of an insulating product 5 with respect to electricity through the first opening 61, the second opening 62 forming a vent.

[0039] Preferably, the concave casing 42 has only two openings 61, 62 in order to maintain high mechanical strength. In this example, the openings 61, 62 are aligned along the axis XI along which the concave casing 42 extends. The first opening 61 is further from the guide channel 43 and is designated "first distal opening 61". The second opening 62 is closer to the guide channel 43 and is designated "second proximal opening 62".

[0040] The first distal opening 61 is configured for the introduction of the insulating product 5 so as to allow the air present in the concave envelope 42 to escape through the second proximal opening 62 but also through the guide channel 43 in order to to ensure efficient and airtight filling. Electrical insulation is thus optimal. It goes without saying that the role of openings 61, 62 could be reversed.

[0041] According to a preferred aspect, the electrically insulating product 5 can be in various forms, in particular, a cement, a polymer, an elastomer or similar.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, with reference to Figures 3 and 4, the base 41 comprises at least one reference notch 7, preferably three reference notches 7. The notches 7 are formed in the peripheral edge of the base 4L. As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the reference notches 7, together with the guide channel 43, define two axes XI, X2 which intersect at a center intended to be positioned at the level of the electrical junction(s) J. Thus, even if the electrical junction(s) J are not directly visible due to the presence of the concave housing 42, the protective cover 4 can be centered on the electrical junction(s) J by an operator. As will be shown later, direct visibility can be obtained through the openings 61, 62. It is understood that the number of reference notches 7 can vary in order to achieve the desired centering.

[0043] With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the edge 40 of the base 41, into which the guide channel 43 opens, includes at least one reinforcing portion 40R, in particular, an added thickness, for example a hem. Such a reinforcing portion 40R is advantageous for strengthening the area in the vicinity of the guide channel 43 and also for protecting the measuring wires 3A, 3B from damage.

[0044] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], after mounting the protective cover 4, the electrical junctions J are protected. The electrical junctions J are housed within the concave casing 42 of the protective cover 4, which is filled with an electrically insulating material 5. The measuring wires 3A, 3B are housed within the guide channel 43 of the protective cover 4.

[0045] An example of the implementation of a method for protecting at least one electrical junction J between at least one electrical component, for example a sensor 2, and measuring wires 3A, 3B in an aircraft turbomachine will now be presented.

[0046] With reference to [Fig.5], the electrical junctions J are in this example formed on a wall of the turbomachine 1, in particular, by welding measuring wires 3A, 3B onto terminals of the sensor 2.

[0047] With reference to [Fig. 6], the method includes a step of centering the base 41 of the protective cover 4 on the electrical junctions J using the reference notches 7 ([Fig. 3]). The electrical junctions J are housed in the concave casing 42, while the measuring wires 3A, 3AB are housed in the guide channel 43, preferably in a sealed manner to ensure electrical insulation. With reference to [Fig. 6], the method includes a step of securing the base 41 to the cover The protective element 4 is attached to the wall 1 of the aircraft turbomachine, for example by welding. The flat surface of the base 41 ensures a simple yet robust bond. This significantly reduces the risk of separation due to turbomachine vibrations.

[0048] With reference to [Fig. 7], the method includes a step of introducing an electrically insulating product 5 into the concave shell 42 of the protective cover 4 through the first opening 61, the second opening 62 forming a vent. Preferably, the introduction is carried out using a syringe. During the introduction of the insulating product 5, the air present in the concave shell 42 escapes through the vent to ensure a tight seal and thus effective electrical protection.

[0049] The protective cover 4 is easy for an operator to handle because it is a single, robust piece (e.g., metallic) with standardized dimensions. An operator can thus protect several electrical junctions J consecutively quickly and reliably. The use of a standardized protective cover 4 allows for precise definition of the volumes occupied by the protective covers 4 in the turbomachine, thereby reducing the risk of interference. In particular, the protective cover can be integrated into the digital model of the turbomachine for simulations.

[0050] The protective cover 4 effectively protects one or more electrical junctions J against vibration and electrical hazards. This allows for reliable and safe turbomachinery testing.

[0051] It goes without saying that a protective cover 4 could only be used to electrically connect two measuring wires 3 A, 3B.

Claims

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8. Demands Protective cover (4) of at least one electrical junction (J) configured for mounting in an aircraft turbomachine, the protective cover (4) comprising: • a base (41) configured to be attached to a wall (1) of the aircraft turbomachine, and • a concave enclosure (42) configured to protect the electrical junction (J), • the concave envelope (42) being connected to an edge (40) of the base (41) by at least one guide channel (43) configured to receive at least one measuring wire (3A, 3B), • the concave envelope (42) comprising at least a first opening (61) and a second opening (62) so as to allow the introduction of an insulating product (5) against electricity through the first opening (61), the second opening (62) forming a vent. Protective cover (4) according to claim 1, wherein the protective cover (4) is in the form of a single piece. Protective cover (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the protective cover (4) is metallic. Protective cover (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base (41) comprises at least one reference notch (7). Protective cover (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base (41) comprises at least two reference notches (7), preferably three reference notches (7). Protective cover (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the edge (40), into which the guide channel (43) opens, comprises at least one reinforcing portion (40R). Protective cover (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the base (41) has a fixing surface having a shape complementary to the wall of the turbomachine (1). Aircraft turbomachine comprising at least one electrical junction (J) between at least one electrical component and at least one measuring wire (3A, 3B), the electrical junction (J) being protected by a protective cover (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the electrical junction (J) being housed in the concave casing (42) of the protective cover (4) filled with an insulating product (5) with respect to of the electricity, the measuring wire (3A, 3B) being housed in the guide channel (43) of the protective cover (4).

9. A method for protecting at least one electrical junction (J) between at least one electrical component and at least one measuring wire (3A, 3B) in an aircraft turbomachine, the method comprising steps of: • Securing the base (41) of a protective cover (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 to a wall (1) of the aircraft turbomachine, the electrical junction (J) being protected in the concave envelope (42) of the protective cover (4), the measuring wire (3A, 3B) being received in the guide channel (43) of the protective cover (4) and • Introducing into the concave envelope (42) of the protective cover (4) an insulating product (5) with respect to electricity through the first opening (61), the second opening (62) forming a vent.

10. A protection method according to claim 9, wherein the base (41) includes at least one reference notch (7), the method includes a step of centering the base (41) of the protective cover (4) on the electrical junction (J) by means of at least one reference notch (7).